In this episode of Planet People, we are joined by Colin Barrows, a Coachella Valley naturalist, desert advocate, and Secretary of CactusToCloud Institute. Colin has extensive knowledge in desert ecology, particularly in reptiles and rare desert plants, and he shares many fascinating facts about lizard adaptations. We also uncover the secret life of lizards and what it takes for these creatures to survive in the rugged landscape of the low deserts of the Coachella Valley. 

CONNECT:

• Follow Colin Barrows on Instagram  
• Follow @planet.people.pod for all the updates!

 

RAY OF HOPE:

In a time when habitat loss and climate change threaten reptile populations worldwide, the incredible lizard biodiversity of the Coachella Valley stands as a powerful ray of hope, demonstrating nature’s remarkable resilience and adaptability. The newly designated Chuckwalla National Monument protects critical habitat for the iconic chuckwalla lizard and dozens of other reptile species, preserving 624,000 acres of irreplaceable desert ecosystem where these ancient creatures have thrived for millennia.

Chuckwalla National Monument represents hope because it shows us that protecting biodiversity hotspots can safeguard entire ecosystems: preserving critical lizard habitat, maintaining desert food webs that countless species depend on, and ensuring that future generations will witness the spectacular diversity of desert reptiles that call the Coachella Valley home.

ANXIETY TO ACTION:

In an era of biodiversity loss and habitat fragmentation, the Chuckwalla Valley reminds us that we have the power to protect the remarkable creatures that share our planet, one preserved habitat at a time.

Take Action:

• Interact with Cactus to Cloud social media - follow, like, comment, and share
• Advocate for the places and species you love! Write official comment letters, call your representatives, and let them know we need to keep these environmental protections in place
• Support local desert conservation efforts and reptile research initiatives

 

RESOURCES:

• Learn more about Chuckwalla National Monument here.  
• Acquire a California naturalist certification here. 

 

VOLUNTEER AND DONATE:

Interested in helping with these conservation efforts? Subscribe to updates from Cactus to Cloud to learn how you can get involved. 

RELEVANT CONTENT:

Listen to our previous episode with Colin and Sendy Barrows here

 

PHOTO CREDITS: 

 

• Mojave Desert Photography | Colin Barrows: https://cwbarrows.com/ 

 

• Kangaroo Rat | Stan/stock.adobe.com: https://www.britannica.com/animal/kangaroo-rat

 

• Ironwood | Doris Evans:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/dorisevans/27025026847/in/photostream/

 

• Western Tanager | Bob Steventon: https://feederwatch.org/birdspotter-2019/western-tanager/

 

• Cape May Warbler | Curtis A. Marantz: https://www.aba.org/southern-california-spring-2021/# 

 

• Yucca Moth | NPS: https://www.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/jotr/Discovering-the-Desert/Diverse-Landscapes/Yucca-moth_NPS-detail.html

 

• Giant Ground Sloth | Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.: https://www.britannica.com/animal/Megatherium