User:Kitfox lordorman
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Howard Clark aka Lord Orman
howard.clark.jr@gmail.com
Howard O. Clark, Jr., MS, CWB® | Researcher ID: A-7053-2009 | ORCiD: 0000-0001-8384-2163
The San Joaquin kit fox is a very special animal. While working at CSU Stanislaus as a researcher for the Endangered Species Recovery Program, I was introduced to the kit fox during a radio-telemetry study. That was back in 1997. Ever since then I've been hooked on kit foxes and swift foxes (and all other canids). I've written several peer-reviewed papers on the kit fox, and I am always on the look-out for books and other literature on foxes and other canids. These are wonderful animals, and I'll do what I can to keep them wild and free.
I am a Certified Wildlife Biologist with more than 25 years of professional wildlife and research experience, and have authored / co-authored more than 80 peer-reviewed papers on a variety of topics. My work as a researcher has focused on the fauna and ecosystems of Northern, Central, and Southern California, and the Mojave Desert provinces and includes extensive baseline mammalian inventories, conduct surveys focused on rare animals, habitat assessment, land retirement and restoration, radio telemetry, and long-term ecological studies on several endangered species. I have conducted studies for a variety of private and public agency projects, including surveys for endangered species along canals, range-wide presence/absence surveys, and scent dog detection work for endangered foxes. I regularly work with the western burrowing owl, San Joaquin kit fox, salt marsh harvest mouse, and the Mohave ground squirrel. I earned an M.S. in Biology from California State University, Fresno, in 2001. My thesis was entitled, Endangered San Joaquin kit fox and non-native red fox: interspecific competitive interactions. I currently hold a Scientific Collecting Permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, as well as federal and state permits for several species of kangaroo rats, the Mohave ground squirrel, and various pocket mice. I am currently a peer-reviewer for the journals California Fish and Game and Canadian Field-Naturalist, and have reviewed manuscripts for Western North American Naturalist, Mammalian Biology, African Journal of Food Science, and Cities and the Environment.
EDUCATION
M.S. Biology. California State University, Fresno. 2001.
Thesis: “Endangered San Joaquin kit fox and non-native red fox: interspecific competitive interactions”
B.S. Biological Sciences. California State University, Stanislaus. 1998.
A.A. Life Science. Superintendent’s Honors. Merced College. 1996.
PEER-REVIEWED AND PEER-EDITED MANUSCRIPTS
2024
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2024. Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) Predation of a Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris). Western Wildlife 11:9-10.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2024. On the Origin of Species—a review? Maybe. Sonoran Herpetologist 37(2):101.
Clark, H.O., Jr., and R.R. Rebensdorf. 2024. Common Side-blotched Lizards can’t catch a break. Sonoran Herpetologist 37(2):98-100.
2023
Biddy, G.L., and H.O. Clark, Jr. 2023. Blunt-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia sila) Avoidance of Soil Contact During High Temperatures. Sonoran Herpetologist 36(3):86.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2023. Bibliography of the Sonoran Herpetologist: Volume 36, Issues 1-4. Sonoran Herpetologist 36(4):119-120.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2023. The Importance of Publishing, No Matter How Small. Sonoran Herpetologist 36(1):17-18.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2023. New host record for adult Lytta magister Horn (Coleoptera: Meloidae) from California, USA. The Coleopterists Bulletin 77(2):194-195.
Clark, H.O., Jr., and S.I. Hagen. 2023. Reptile References in Island of the Blue Dolphins. Sonoran Herpetologist 36(2):53-55.
Clark, H.O., Jr., and N. Yorba. 2023. Yosemite Toad (Anaxyrus canorus) Reaction to Passing Construction Equipment. Sonoran Herpetologist 36(3):69-70.
2022
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2022. Bibliography of the Sonoran Herpetologist: Volume 35, Issues 1-4. Sonoran Herpetologist 35(4):159-160.
Clark, H.O., Jr., G. Biddy, T. Dayton, J.L. Dinsdale, and J.A. Estep. 2022. Swainson’s hawk use of utility poles and similar structures as nest sites. Central Valley Birds 25:61-72.
Clark, H.O., Jr., G.L. Biddy, and D. Lederer. 2022. Photographic documentation of blunt-nosed leopard lizard (Gambelia sila) reproductive behaviors. Sonoran Herpetologist 35(2):77-78.
2021
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2021. Bibliography of the Sonoran Herpetologist: Volume 34, Issues 1-4. Sonoran Herpetologist 34(4):122.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2021. Local amphibians provide an educational opportunity: part II. Sonoran Herpetologist 34(1):21.
2020
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2020. Bibliography of the Sonoran Herpetologist: Volume 33, Issues 1-4. Sonoran Herpetologist 33(4):142.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2020. Up and Down California in 1860-1864; The Journal of William H. Brewer and an encounter with a rattlesnake. Sonoran Herpetologist 33(2):57.
2019
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2019. Bibliography of the Sonoran Herpetologist: Volume 32, Issues 1-4. Sonoran Herpetologist 32(4):96.
Clark, H.O., Jr., G.L. Biddy, and P.B. Alexander. 2019. Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus oreganus) trapped in a tar seep near McKittrick, Kern County, California. Sonoran Herpetologist 32(2):35.
2018
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2018. Bibliography of the Sonoran Herpetologist: Volume 31, Issues 1-4. Sonoran Herpetologist 31(4):75.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2018. Involuntary seminal emission during defecation induced by Fluoxetine. Global Advanced Research Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences 7(6):125-126.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2018. Novel impaling behavior by the Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus). Sonoran Herpetologist 31(2):30-31.
2017
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2017. Possible predation of a Western Burrowing Owl by Common Ravens. Central Valley Bird Club Bulletin 20:65-69.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2017. Bibliography of the Sonoran Herpetologist: Volume 30, Issues 1-4. Sonoran Herpetologist 30(4):82.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2017. Herpetofauna inventory on a small mammal trapping grid. Sonoran Herpetologist 30(2):42.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2017. Bibliography of the Sonoran Herpetologist: 1988-2016. Sonoran Herpetologist 30(1):21-31.
Clark, H.O., Jr., and S.I. Hagen. 2017. Local amphibians provide an educational opportunity. Sonoran Herpetologist 30(1):17.
Hassapakis, C., and H.O. Clark, Jr. 2017. Progress in biobanking amphibian species worldwide for conservation. FrogLog 25(2):38.
Pratihar, S., S.K. Dutta, M. Bhattacharya, and H. Clark. 2017. A mitogenomic exploration of the phylogeny and evolution of extant anurans. Russian Journal of Herpetology 24:163-166.
2016
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2016. Amphibian featured on U.S. mint coin. Sonoran Herpetologist 29(2):23.
Clark, H.O., Jr., and S.I. Hagen. 2016. Notes on a Mount Lyell salamander observed near Nevada Falls, Yosemite National Park, California—Revisited ten years later. Sonoran Herpetologist 29(4):64.
2015
Clark, H.O., Jr., and R.M. Powers. 2015. Compilation of island fox literature. Western Wildlife 2:1-6.
Woods, G., and H.O. Clark, Jr. 2015. Plestiodon gilberti (Gilbert’s Skink). Predation. Herpetological Review 46:259-260.
2014
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2014. Encounter between a striped racer (Coluber lateralis) and a southern alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata). Sonoran Herpetologist 27(3):79.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2014. Compilation of kit fox and swift fox literature. Western Wildlife 1:12-27.
Clark, H.O., Jr., and H.K. Pigage. 2014. New flea (Siphonaptera) record for the Heermann’s kangaroo rat (Dipodomys heermanni), San Luis Obispo County, California. Western North American Naturalist 74:364-365.
Clark, H.O., Jr., H. K. Pigage, C.A. Wilkinson, and R.K. Burton. 2014. Ectoparasites on the giant kangaroo rat, Carrizo Plain National Monument, San Luis Opispo County, California. Western Wildlife 1:8-11.
Pratihar, S., H.O. Clark, Jr., S. Dutta, M.S. Khan, B.C. Patra, K.D.B. Ukuwela, A. Das, P. Li, J. Jiang, J.P. Lewis, B.N. Pandey, A. Razzaque, C. Hassapakis, K. Deuti, and S. Das. 2014. Diversity and conservation of amphibians in South and Southeast Asia. Sauria 36:9-59.
2013
Browne, R., C. Hassapakis, and H. Clark. 2013. A Unique Collaboration. FrogLog 21(2):43-44.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2013. Reptiles and amphibians on US Coins. Sonoran Herpetologist 26(4):90.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2013. The ingraining of a natural history observation into the culture of a nation. Sonoran Herpetologist 26(2):36.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2013. Western toads as wildlife ambassadors. FrogLog 21(1):54.
Clark, H.O., Jr., and S.I. Hagen. 2013. Plestiodon gilberti (Gilbert’s Skink). Predation. Herpetological Review 44:681.
Clark, H.O., Jr., K.W. Setser, and R.K. Burton. 2013. Pituophis catenifer (Pacific Gopher Snake). Diet. Herpetological Review 44:696-697.
Hemenez, M.J., Clark, H.O., Jr., and R.K. Burton. 2013. Occurrence of a western spadefoot toad in the burrow system of the giant kangaroo rat, San Luis Obispo County, CA. Sonoran Herpetologist 26(1):24.
2012
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2012. Rattlesnake mimicry in the Pacific gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer catenifer). Sonoran Herpetologist 25(8):78.
Clark, H.O., Jr., and D.P. Newman. 2012. Endangered birds: Comparing research effort on the specific and subspecific levels. Endangered Species Update 26:70-74.
Clark, H.O., Jr., and R.A. Shields. 2012. Loggerhead shrike predation on the southern alligator lizard, common side-blotched lizard, and western fence lizard. Sonoran Herpetologist 25(12):132-133.
2011
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2011. The history of arid-land fox discoveries in North America. Archives of Natural History 38:300-312.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2011. Arizona Toad, Anaxyrus microscaphus (Cope “1866” 1867). Herpetofauna of the 100-mile Circle. Sonoran Herpetologist 24(2):14-15.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2011. Reptiles and amphibians as Loggerhead Shrike prey. Sonoran Herpetologist 24(3):20-22.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2011. Alternate coloration of the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus oreganus). Sonoran Herpetologist 24(7):70.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2011. Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) predation on a Pacific Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer catenifer). Sonoran Herpetologist 24(11):117-118.
2010
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2010. Kit fox or coyote pup? Field Notes. The Wildlife Professional 4:72.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2010. A review of anthropogenic-sourced cover items used by the Desert Night Lizard (Xantusia vigilis). Sonoran Herpetologist 23:23-24.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2010. Long-nosed Leopard Lizard, Gambelia wislizenii (Baird and Girard, 1852). Herpetofauna of the 100-mile Circle. Sonoran Herpetologist 23:75-77.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2010. Herpetofauna of Mare Island, Solano County, California. Sonoran Herpetologist 23:127-129.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2010. Coachwhip, Coluber flagellum (Shaw 1802). Herpetofauna of the 100-mile Circle. Sonoran Herpetologist 23:150-154.
Clark, H.O., Jr., and D.P. Newman. 2010. Results of a herpetological survey in northwestern Kern County, California. Sonoran Herpetologist 23:144-145.
2009
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2009. Predation and behavioral interactions between horned lizards and arid land foxes. Sonoran Herpetologist 22:6-7.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2009. Why does the Blunt-nosed Leopard Lizard have a blunt nose? Sonoran Herpetologist 22:50-51.
Clark, H.O., Jr., J.D. Murdoch, D.P. Newman, and C. Sillero-Zubiri. 2009. Vulpes corsac. Mammalian Species. 832:1-8.
Woods, G., H. Nadel, H.O. Clark, Jr., and S.I. Hagen. 2009. Birds foraging on Jerusalem crickets, with recent observations in the Central Valley, California. Central Valley Bird Club Bulletin 12:17-22.
2008
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2008. Spea hammondii (Western Spadefoot Toad). Predation and use as burrow decorations. Herpetological Review 39:80-81.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2008. Common Chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater): Behavior. Sonoran Herpetologist 21:54.
Clark, H.O., Jr., and J.R. Gworek. 2008. Thamnophis sirtalis fitchi (Valley Gartersnake). Habitat and behavior. Herpetological Review 39:474.
Clark, H.O., Jr., and S.I. Hagen. 2008. Notes on a Mount Lyell Salamander observed near Nevada Falls, Yosemite National Park, California. Sonoran Herpetologist 21:122-123.
Clark, H.O., Jr., D.P. Newman, J.D. Murdoch, J. Tseng, Z.H. Wang, and R.B. Harris. 2008. Vulpes ferrilata. Mammalian Species 821:1-6.
Clark, H.O., Jr., D.P. Newman, C.J. Randel, III, and M.D. Meyer. 2008. Temperature tests for diurnal live trapping shade configurations. Transactions of the Western Section of the Wildlife Society 44:1-3.
Clark, H.O., Jr., and M.C. Orland. 2008. Comparison of two camera trap systems for detection of American marten on a winter landscape. California Fish and Game 94:53-59.
Randel, C.J., III, and H.O. Clark, Jr. 2008. Sex ratios of the white-tailed antelope ground squirrel (Ammospermophilus leucurus), Indian Wells Valley, San Bernardino County, California. Western North American Naturalist 68:526-529.
2007
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2007. Hypothetical relationships between the San Joaquin kit fox, California grizzly bear, and gray wolf on the pre-European California landscape. Endangered Species Update 24:14-19.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2007. Use of spadefoot toads by western burrowing owls. Central Valley Birding Club Bulletin 10:51.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2007. Marking of novel objects by kit fox. California Fish and Game 93:103-106.
Clark, H.O., Jr., R.R. Duke, M.C. Orland, R.T. Golightly, and S.I. Hagen. 2007. The San Joaquin kit fox in north-central California: a review. Transactions of the Western Section of the Wildlife Society 43:27-36.
Clark, H.O., Jr., D.P. Newman, S.I. Hagen. 2007. Analysis of San Joaquin kit fox element data within the California Diversity Database: A case for data reliability. Transactions of the Western Section of the Wildlife Society 43:37-42.
Clark, H.O., Jr., and N. R. Sisk. 2007. Predation of a western burrowing owl by an apparent prairie falcon. Central Valley Birding Club Bulletin 10:49-50.
Randel, C.J., III, and H.O. Clark, Jr. 2007. Mojave desert sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes cerastes) behavior. Sonoran Herpetologist 20:96.
Randel, C.J., III, H.O. Clark, Jr., and S.I. Hagen. 2007. Mohave ground squirrel (Spermophilus mohavensis) body mass: A comparison of live-trapped individuals, published literature, and unpublished museum specimens. Endangered Species Update 24:72-74.
Warrick, G.D., H.O. Clark, Jr., P.A. Kelly, D.F. Williams, and B.L. Cypher. 2007. Use of agricultural lands by San Joaquin kit foxes. Western North American Naturalist 67:270-277.
2006
Clark, H.O., Jr., H.S. Shellhammer, and S.D. Gaimari. 2006. Ectoparasites found on salt marsh harvest mice in the northern salt marshes of Grizzly Bay, California. California Fish and Game 92:52-54.
Smith, D.A., K. Ralls, B.L. Cypher, H.O. Clark, Jr., P.A. Kelly, D.F. Williams, and J.E. Maldonado. 2006. Relative abundance of endangered San Joaquin kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis mutica) based on scat-detection dog surveys. Southwestern Naturalist 51:210-219.
2005
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2005. Aggressive behaviour exhibited by a San Joaquin kit fox, Vulpes macrotis mutica. Canadian Field-Naturalist 119:134.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2005. Otocyon megalotis. Mammalian Species 766:1-5.
Clark, H.O., Jr., and D.L. Plumpton. 2005. A simple one-way door design for passive relocation of western burrowing owls. California Fish and Game 91:286-289.
Clark, H.O., Jr., G.D. Warrick, B.L. Cypher, P.A. Kelly, D.F. Williams, and D.E. Grubbs. 2005. Competitive interactions between endangered kit foxes and non-native red foxes. Western North American Naturalist 65:153-163.
2004
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2004. Occurrence of California mule deer in the southern San Joaquin Valley, California. Transactions of the Western Section of the Wildlife Society 40:127-128.
2003
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2003. Responses of San Joaquin kit foxes to an oil-gas well fire. California Fish and Game 89:102-105.
Clark, H.O., Jr., B.L. Cypher, P.A. Kelly, D.F. Williams, and S.D. Clifton. 2002-2003. Use of a hair-sampling tube to detect the San Joaquin kit fox. Transactions of the Western Section of the Wildlife Society 38/39:29-30.
2001
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2001. Use of a car alarm sequence in the northern mockingbird repertoire. California Fish and Game 87:115-116.
Cypher, B.L., H.O. Clark, Jr., P.A. Kelly, C. Van Horn Job, G.W. Warrick, and D.F. Williams. 2001. Interspecific interactions among wild canids: implications for the conservation of endangered San Joaquin kit foxes. Endangered Species Update 18:171-174.
1999
Clark, H.O., Jr. 1999. An animal track casting method using dolomite, sand, and spray adhesive. California Fish and Game 85:138-139.
BOOKS AND BOOK CHAPTERS
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2017. An Application of Corridor Theory on a Physical Landscape using the San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica) as the Model Species. Pages 20-38 in: Suman Pratihar and Howard O. Clark, Jr., editors. Defaunation and Conservation. Tucson Herpetological Society, Tucson, Arizona, USA, and Sukumar Sengupta Mahavidyalaya, New Delhi, India.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2016. The possible extinction of the Blunt-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia sila) of the San Joaquin Valley, California, USA. Pages 28-30 in: Suman Pratihar, editor. Dirology: The Science of Extinction. Sukumar Sengupta Mahavidalaya, New Delhi, India.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2008. Wildlife Photos. Blurb.com. 82 pp. http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/282696
Clark, H.O., Jr., B.L. Cypher, G.D. Warrick, P.A. Kelly, D.F. Williams, and D.E. Grubbs. 2004. Challenges in conservation of the endangered San Joaquin kit fox. Pages 118-131 in: N. Fascione, A. Delach, and M. E. Smith, editors. People and Predators: From Conflict to Coexistence. Island Press, Washington, D.C., USA.
Kelly, P., D. Williams, D. Smith, H. Clark, and S. Phillips. 2001. Scent dog surveys for the San Joaquin kit fox in eastern Merced County, California. Final Report. Vollmar Consulting, Berkeley, California. 7 pp. + Appendix in: J. E. Vollmar, editor. Wildlife and Rare Plant Ecology of Eastern Merced County’s Vernal Pool Grasslands. Appendix 9a. Merced County UC Development Office.
Randel, C.J., III, H.O. Clark, Jr., D.P. Newman, and T.P. Dixon. 2012. Environmental Impact Assessment and Habitat Conservation Plans. Pages 307-318 in: Nova J. Silvy, editor. The Wildlife Techniques Manual: Management, 7th edition. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Randel, C.J., III, H.O. Clark, Jr., D.P. Newman, and T.P. Dixon. 2020. Habitat Conservation Planning. Pages 431–442 in: Nova J. Silvy, editor. Techniques for Wildlife Investigations and Management, 8th edition. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
BOOK REVIEWS
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2024. Review of Snakes—Biology, Diversity, and Behavior by David Gower, Katie Garrett, and Simon Maddock. Sonoran Herpetologist 37(2):102-103.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2024. Review of Frogs of the World: A Guide to Every Family by Mark O’Shea and Simon Maddock. Sonoran Herpetologist 37(2):104-105.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2023. Review of Snakes of the World: A Guide to Every Family by Mark O’Shea. Sonoran Herpetologist 36(3):92-93.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2022. Review of The Hidden Kingdom of Fungi: Exploring the Microscopic World in our Forests, Homes, and Bodies by Keith Seifert. Canadian Field-Naturalist 136:182-184.
Clark, H.O., Jr., and S.S. Hagen-Clark. 2022. Review of Expedition Backyard: Exploring Nature from Country to City (A Graphic Novel). Sonoran Herpetologist 35(3):127.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2022. Review of Turtles of the World: A Guide to Every Family by Jeffrey E. Lovich and Whit Gibbons. Sonoran Herpetologist 35(1):39-41.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2021. Review of Lizards of the World: A Guide to Every Family by Mark O’Shea. Sonoran Herpetologist 34(3):86-87.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2020. Review of The Wildlife Techniques Manual, 8th edition, edited by Nova J. Silvy. Sonoran Herpetologist 33(4):138-141.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2020. Review of Darwin’s Most Wonderful Plants: A Tour of His Botanical Legacy by Ken Thompson. Canadian Field-Naturalist 134:190-191.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2020. Review of The Dangerous Snakes of Africa by Stephen Spawls and Bill Branch. Amphibian & Reptile Conservation 14(3):84-85 (e257).
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2020. Review of The Wildlife Techniques Manual, 8th edition, edited by Nova J. Silvy. Amphibian & Reptile Conservation 14(3):70-73 (e255).
Pratihar, S., and H.O. Clark, Jr. 2020. Changing Angles—Global Visionary through Environmental Perspectives. Review of Critical Themes in Environmental History of India edited by Ranjan Chakrabarti. Sonoran Herpetologist 33(3):82.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2020. Review of Britian’s Reptiles and Amphibians: A guide to the reptiles and amphibians of Great Britian, Ireland and the Channel Islands by Howard Inns. Sonoran Herpetologist 33(1):16.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2020. Review of Reptiles and Amph]ibians of New Zealand (Princeton Field Guides) by Dylan van Winkel, Marleen Baling, and Rod Hitchmough. Sonoran Herpetologist 33(1):17.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2019. Review of The Flying Zoo: Birds, Parasites, and the World they Share by Michael Stock. Canadian Field-Naturalist 133:386-387.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2019. Review of Feed the Birds: Attract and Identify 196 Common North American Birds by Chris Earley. Canadian Field-Naturalist 133:279-280.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2019. Review of The Natural History of The Bahamas: A Field Guide by Dave Currie, Joseph M. Wunderle, Jr., Ethan Freid, David N. Ewert, and D. Jean Lodge. Sonoran Herpetologist 32(4):96.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2019. Review of Night Lizards: Field Memoirs and a Summary of the Xantusiidae by Robert L. Bezy. Amphibian & Reptile Conservation 13(2):265-266.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2019. Review of Reptiles of Costa Rica: A Field Guide by Twan Leenders. Sonoran Herpetologist 32(3):53.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2019. Review of Galápagos: Life in Motion by Walter Perez and Michael Weisberg. Sonoran Herpetologist 32(1):8.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2018. Review of Rabbits and Rats, Birds and Seeds, Cactus and Trees: Plants and animals at work in El Pinacate, Sonoran Desert by Paul Dayton. Sonoran Herpetologist 31(4):71.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2017. Review of The Quotable Darwin by Janet Browne. Sonoran Herpetologist 30(4):81.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2017. Review of Wildlife of Ecuador: A Photographic Field Guide to Birds, Mammals, Reptiles, and Amphibians by Andrés Vásquez Noboa. Sonoran Herpetologist 30(3):61.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2017. Review of Following the Wild Bees: The Craft and Science of Bee Hunting by Thomas D. Seeley. Sonoran Herpetologist 30(1):18-19.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2017. Review of Amphibians of Costa Rica: A Field Guide by Twan Leenders. Sonoran Herpetologist 30(1):20.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2016. Review of A Guide to North America’s Bees: The Bees in Your Backyard by Joseph S. Wilson and Olivia J. Messinger Carril. Western North American Naturalist 76:263-264.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2016. Review of Better Birding: Tips, Tools & Concepts for the Field by George L. Armistead and Brian L. Sullivan. Western North American Naturalist 76:262.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2016. Review of The Journey Within by Dinesh Patel and Praful Patel. Sonoran Herpetologist 29(2):28.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2016. Review of Closer to the Ground by Dylan Tomine. California Fish and Game 102:32-33.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2015. Review of Embracing the Wild in your Dog by Bryan Bailey. Sonoran Herpetologist 28(4):44.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2015. Review of Tents, Tortoises, and Tailgates by Scott Lillie. Sonoran Herpetologist 28(2):21.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2015. Review of Ten Thousand Birds: Ornithology since Darwin by Tim Birkhead, Jo Wimpenny, and Bob Montgomerie. Western North American Naturalist 75:127-128.
Clark, H.O., Jr., and C. Hassapakis. 2015. Review of The Amphibians and Reptiles of Mindo: Life in the Cloudforest by Alejandro Arteaga, Lucas Bustamante, and Juan M. Guayasamin. Amphibian & Reptile Conservation 8(1):141-142.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2015. Review of Lost Animals: Extinction and the Photographic Record by Errol Fuller. Sonoran Herpetologist 28(1):12.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2014. Review of The Fish in the Forest by Dale Stokes. California Fish and Game 100:740-741.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2014. Review of Fishing the River of Time by Tony Taylor. California Fish and Game 100:742-743.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2014. Review of Field Guide to the Common Bees of California: Including Bees of the Western United States (California Natural History Guides) by Gretchen LeBuhn. Western North American Naturalist 74: 254-255.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2014. Review of The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki, and Bence Máté. Western North American Naturalist 74:253.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2014. Review of The Warbler Guide by Tom Stephenson and Scott Whittle. Western North American Naturalist 74:143.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2014. Review of Harmony Hollow by Donald G. Kramer. Sonoran Herpetologist 27(1):30.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2013. Review of Where Do I Live? (Budding Biologist) by Kristine Duehl and Katy Castronovo. Sonoran Herpetologist 26(3):64.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2013. Review of Amphibians and Reptiles of Costa Rica by Federico Muñoz Chacón and Richard Dennis Johnston. Sonoran Herpetologist 26(3):65.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2013. Review of The Crossley ID Guide: Raptors by Richard Crossley, Jerry Liguori, and Brian L. Sullivan. Canadian Field-Naturalist 127:84-85.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2013. Review of Where Do the Animals Go When It Rains? by Janet Crown. Sonoran Herpetologist 26(2):37.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2013. Review of Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of California by Robert C. Stebbins and Samuel M. McGinnis. Western North American Naturalist 73:258-259.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2013. Review of The Biology of Small Mammals by Joseph F. Merritt. Western North American Naturalist 73:116-117.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2013. Review of World without Cats by Bonham Richards. Sonoran Herpetologist 26(1):25.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2012. Review of Cry From a Silent Planet by John Rowland. Sonoran Herpetologist 25(12):131.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2012. Review of How to be a Better Birder by Derek Lovich. Canadian Field-Naturalist 126:68-69.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2012. Review of The Wildlife Techniques Manual by Nova J. Silvy, editor. Amphibian & Reptile Conservation 5(1):105-107.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2012. Review of The Wildlife Techniques Manual by Nova J. Silvy, editor. Sonoran Herpetologist 25:43-45.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2012. Review of Life in Cold Lane: Hibernation in Anurans by Suman Pratihar and Jayanta Kumar Kundu. Sonoran Herpetologist 25:33-34.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2012. Review of Captured: Lessons from Behind the Lens of a Legendary Wildlife Photographer by Moose Peterson. Western North American Naturalist 72:125-126.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2011. Review of The Stokes Field Guide to the Birds of North America by Donald and Lillian Stokes. Canadian Field-Naturalist 125:167-168.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2011. Review of Wired Wilderness by Etienne Benson. Canadian Field-Naturalist 125:90-91.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2011. Review of Ecological Intelligence: Rediscovering Ourselves in Nature by Ian McCallum. Western North American Naturalist 71:137-138.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2010. Review of Urban Carnivores: Ecology, Conflict, and Conservation by Stanley S. Gehrt, Seth P.D. Riley, and Brian L. Cypher, editors. Western North American Naturalist 70:577-578.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2010. Review of The California Deserts: An Ecological Rediscovery by Bruce M. Pavlik. Western North American Naturalist 70:135-136.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2010. Review of California’s Fading Wildflowers: Lost Legacy and Biological Invasions by Richard A. Minnich. Western North American Naturalist 70:132-134.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2009. Review of Carnivores of British Columbia by David F. Hatler, David W. Nagorsen, and Alison M. Beal. Canadian Field-Naturalist 123:81.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2009. Review of Non-invasive Survey Methods for Carnivores by R. A. Long, P. MacKay, W. J. Zielinski, and J. C. Ray, editors. Conservation Biology 1336-1338.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2009. Review of Rocky Mountain Mammals: A Handbook of Mammals of Rocky Mountain National Park and Vicinity, Third Edition by David M. Armstrong. Journal of Mammalogy 90:779.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2009. Review of Condors in Canyon Country: The return of the California condor to the Grand Canyon region by Sophie Osborn. Western North American Naturalist 69:142-143.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2009. Review of Crow Planet: Essential Wisdom from the Urban Wilderness by Lyanda Lynn Haupt. Vermilion Flycatcher 54(6):31.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2009. Review of Birdwatcher: The life of Roger Tory Peterson by Elizabeth J. Rosenthal. Vermilion Flycatcher 54(2):27.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2008. Review of Arctic Fox: Life at the Top of the World by Garry Hamilton. Canadian Field-Naturalist 122:358.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2008. Review of Unnatural landscapes: tracking invasive species by Ceiridwen Terrill. Western North American Naturalist 68:537-539.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2008. Review of California’s Frontier Naturalists by Richard G. Beidleman. Western North American Naturalist 68:262-264.
Clark, H.O., Jr. 2006. Review of Invasion Biology: Critique of a Pseudoscience by David Theodoropoulos. Western North American Naturalist 66:537-539.
Kit fox impacts due to developing the San Joaquin Valley
The San Joaquin Valley is a highly developed area - with agriculture being the main reason for loss of native habitat. Since the 1940s, when the Tulare Lake basin was drained and “reclaimed,” agro-development exploded. Native habitat was tore up and planted in crops nearly overnight. Near Fresno, the hardpan vernal pool systems were actually dynamited so that fig trees could be planted in the blown-out holes! Kit foxes don’t do well in agricultural crops – these parcels are tilled each year (more than once sometimes) which prevents a stable denning system that kit foxes need to survive (escape from the heat and other weather elements, raise pups, and escape from coyotes - their main competitor on the landscape). Native rodents, like kangaroo rats, don’t do well in agricultural fields either, which support kit foxes as a food item. With agricultural development came canals, aqueducts, and the channelization of rivers. In turn, road infrastructure and highway systems were created as the human population increased. These growth-inducing activities led to even more people and more cities (or at least city growth). Growing cities led to urban sprawl which, ironically, eats up the best farmland!
Bottom line – kit foxes are in trouble not only because of roads, but also because of loss of habitat. What’s left? The few native parcels of land are fortunately locked away as wildlife areas and refuges. But these remaining lands are far from adequate in keeping kit foxes and other endangered plants and animals from going extinct. [Incidentally, kit foxes are considered “umbrella species” – that is, setting aside land for the kit fox will concurrently preserve a whole suite of other plants and animals that live in the same type of native saltbush scrub habitat]. The next best thing is to retire farmland and convert it back to pre-European condition. One problem is that no one really knows what California looked like back then – but whatever the habitat was, obviously kit foxes were able to survive. Regardless, the farmland to be retired should be some sort of native California grassland intermixed with saltbush – kit foxes are currently doing well in these habitats in Kern County, hence providing a good restoration model. The reason the farmland has “gone bad” in the first place is human-caused. The constant irrigation practices have led to high concentrations of salts and selenium in the soil which makes the land un-farmable. Restoring these millions of acres of unusable farmland may be the saving grace for endangered species once widespread in the San Joaquin Valley.
How can one little fox mean so much?
As a wildlife ecologist, I am assigned fieldwork throughout the year that usually entails surveying parcels of land for special-status species and other biological resources. My favorite study animal is the San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica), and it is often the critter I survey for throughout its range in California (from Kern County in the southern portion of the San Joaquin Valley to Contra Costa County in the north). Back in 1997, while working at California State University, Stanislaus as a biologist for an endangered species recovery and research program, I was introduced to the kit fox during a radio-telemetry study. Since then I’ve been hooked on this wonderful animal, and I'll do what I can to keep it wild and free.
The San Joaquin kit fox is a very special animal. It is a small arid land fox that inhabits the San Joaquin Valley of California, where it is listed as “endangered” by the federal government and "threatened" by the state of California. The small fox has significant ecological meaning to other Valley wildlife, in that the US Fish and Wildlife Service has designated it as an "umbrella species" – meaning that by setting aside habitat and implementing conservation measures for the fox, it will simultaneously provide ecological protection to nearly 200 other threatened and endangered plants and animals.
Kit foxes likely enjoyed a rich biodiversity in pre-European California, but habitat alteration and fragmentation leading to a loss of native habitat to make room for agriculture and urban cities was the first ripple in its endangerment. The kit fox and its prey base, including ground squirrels and kangaroo rats, require arid grasslands for denning, foraging, and reproduction, and it is these grassland habitats that may be affected by global warming in the future.
Global warming models predict that the Central Valley will experience more rain and less snow during the winter, which will lead to less mountain snow pack melting earlier each year. More rainfall will lead to more vegetation growth, and perhaps more shrubby and woody plants, rather than the arid grasslands that the kit fox and its prey base need to survive. Kit foxes are already struggling to persevere in north-central California, where the rainfall is higher compared to the southern San Joaquin Valley, known for its larger kit fox core populations. If the southern core population habitat types of saltbush scrub become converted to wild oat grassland associated with woody shrubs, it is unlikely that kit foxes and kangaroo rats will survive into the next century. The current trend of human manipulation of the landscape by direct (habitat loss and fragmentation) and indirect (global warming) forces has such a significant effect that remaining native flora and fauna will eventually become extinct, including this special little fox.