The Distribution of the Short-Horned Lizard Phrynosoma hernandezi in Saskatchewan, Canada

We examined the distribution and abundance of the short-horned lizard Phrynosoma hernandezi in Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan, Canada. Historical records and anecdotal observations were compiled, and new surveys were conducted in 1995 and 1996. A total of 41 individuals, mostly young-of-the-year, were captured in the West Block of the Park in these years. The habitat used by lizards here was juniper dune terrain similar to that inhabited by the species in Alberta. Distribution in the West Block appeared to be restricted to the Frenchman River Valley. Twelve adult and subadult lizards were captured in the East Block of the Park in 1995 and 1996, mostly on gentle slopes in the lower reaches of Rock Creek Coulee within 4 km of the 49th parallel. The habitat in the East Block is mixed-grass prairie. Voucher specimens in collections, literature records and anecdotal accounts of this species in Saskatchewan almost all originate within the areas examined in this study, indicative of a restricted range in Saskatchewan.