Nevada National Security Site Environmental Report Summary 2010

Abstract

Front cover photographs ... This 140-pound male puma (mountain lion) was captured April 19, 2011, on Timber Mountain in the west-central area of the NNSS. He is helping researchers understand where these elusive predators live, what they eat, and how best to manage the potential risks to workers who have experienced an increase in puma sightings over the past 5 years. The puma study began in December 2010 with the goal of tracking four pumas, fitted with Global Positioning System collars, over a 2-year period. Two female pumas were previously captured and collared in December 2010 and January 2011. Prior to collaring and releasing the animals, scientists collect several measurements as well as hair and blood samples. The study is led by Dr. David Mattson of the U.S. Geological Survey. Check NNSA/NSO news releases regarding this study at http://www.nv.energy. gov/outreach/news/. Back cover photograph … A Great Basin collared lizard (Crotaphytus bicinctores) on the NNSS watches for prey. This species occurs in the Mohave, Sonoran, and Great Basin deserts, usually in rocky desert scrub habitat. They have powerful jaws, are fast-moving ambush predators, and are commonly seen basking on rocks. They hunt smaller lizards and invertebrates such as beetles. Females usually lay one clutch of 3-7 eggs in loose sand or in crevices under rocks, and hatchlings appear in August.