Arizona Expedition
Graeme Skinner travelled on a special herpetological research expedition to Arizona.
With its complex mosaic of desert and forest habitats, Arizona supports many unique species of wildlife, including 17 types of rattlesnake. Our Managing Director and Principal Ecologist, Graeme Skinner, was honoured to observe 11 of these species when he travelled on a special herpetological research expedition to Arizona in 2006, and again in 2007.
Graeme’s aim was to study and photograph rattlesnakes in their natural surroundings, including two of the rarest species.
Jeff Lemm was among some of the world famous American herpetologists that he worked closely with. Some of the long term projects developed during the expeditions include radio tracking and the study and protection of rattlesnake hibernacula.
Along with 9 other important species, Graeme carried out recordings of the Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake, Crotalus willardi willardi and the New Mexico Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake, Crotalus w. obscurus, the rarest species.
Graeme’s Arizonian experiences not only provided a much increased knowledge of these precious species in their natural habitats, but have also been invaluable to Naturally Wild when making assessments of UK reptile populations.
