Projects

Hands-on wildlife research shaping conservation efforts.

PUBLICATIONS (n = 132; pending = 11)

Biologists at The Wildlife Project collect and interpret data in as scientifically rigorous a fashion as possible. This not only values the data and justifies the handling of wildlife species, it creates results that are often peer reviewed (outside of our company) for publication, and are open to scrutiny by all. We feel that our work quality must reflect a level of scientific rigor to support the sharing of data whenever possible.

We also frequently present new information on wildlife natural history and technique development to conferences and groups of scientists whenever we can. We believe that sharing "discoveries" promotes best practices in management and protection of wildlife species and populations.

INVITED PAPERS:

Alvarez, J. A. 2022. Herpetological Musings: Dear fellow biologists, please share your observations, we need them. Herpetological Review 53:181–182. PDF

WILDLIFE (general) - entrapment:

Frey, Z., A. Peralta-García, J. Valdez-Villavicencio, Norma S. González-Gutiérrez, and J. A. Alvarez. 2025. Wildlife entrapment in cattle guards, with special consideration for special-status herpetofauna. California Fish and Wildlife Journal 111:e11 e-link

Alvarez, J. A., J. T. Marty, K. Christopherson, P. Craig, D. Weber, and C. D. Vang. 2021. An unanticipated ecological trap: entrapment of the California tiger salamander in technogenic structures as a confounding stressor for a threatened species. Herpetological Review 52:274–278. PDF

INVERTEBRATES:

Alvarez, J. A., C. Rogers, and M. A. Shea. 2024 Restoration of bedrock vernal pools for the threatened vernal pool fairy shrimp in central California. Ecological Restoration 42:169–174. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., and B. J. Alvarez. 2022. The current distribution and putative spread of the invasive channeled apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) in California. Fish and Game Journal 108:e8. e-link

SALAMANDERS/NEWTS:

Canizzo, F., and J. A. Alvarez. 2025. Further evidence of range-wide overwintering in the larvae of the California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense). Sonoran Herpetologist 38:98–101. PDF

Lichty, T. L. , J. A. Alvarez. N. Murphey, and M. Palladini. 2025. Taricha torosa (California Newt). Diet. Necrophagia and Predation. Herpetological Review 55:405. PDF

Jones, J., and J. A. Alvarez. 2024 Taricha sierrae. (Sierra Newt). Predation. Herpetological Review 55:235–236. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., R. Anderson, B. Ahmed, S. Bylin, A. Casby, J. Daley, M. Falicki, M. Fee, Alex Freeman, J. Gaudio, J. Graves, C. Hamilton, K. Herrera, I. Jackson, and M. Zimmerman. 2023. A case of idiopathic ocular heterochromia in Ensatina eschscholtzii xanthoptica Gray, 1850, in northern California. Herpetology Notes 16:49–50. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., and J. T. Wilcox. 2022. Ecological context of size extremes at metamorphosis in the California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense). The Southwestern Naturalist 67:126-132. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., J. T. Marty, S. M. Foster, and A. Crawford. 2022. Unanticipated mortality in the threatened California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense) during routine trapping in California. Herpetological Review 54:90–91. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., J. T. Wilcox. and L. Solano. 2022. Idiopathic ocular heterochromia in the California newt, Taricha torosa. Sonoran Herpetologist 35:121–122. PDF

Cava, Z., K. M. Garten, S. M. Foster, and J. A. Alvarez. 2022. Observations of extreme dehydration and rehydration leading to recovery of a threatened California tiger salamander. Fish and Wildlife Journal 108:e9. E-link

Alvarez, J. A., and J. T. Wilcox. 2022. Defensive display in Ambystoma californiense (Salamandroidea: Ambystomatidae). Herpetology Notes 15:85–86. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., and C. Rogers. 2021. Previously undocumented habitat use by the California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense). Western Wildlife 8:47–50. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., M. A. Shea, J. T. Wilcox, and S. M. Foster. 2021. Use of atypical aquatic breeding habitat by the threatened California tiger salamander. California Fish and Wildlife Journal. California Fish and Wildlife Special CESA Issue: 235–240. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., and A. Meisel. 2021. Ambystoma californiense (California tiger salamander). Predation. Herpetological Review 52:367. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., J. T. Marty, K. Christopherson, P. Craig, D. Weber, and C. D. Vang. 2021. An unanticipated ecological trap: entrapment of the California tiger salamander in technogenic structures as a confounding stressor for a threatened species. Herpetological Review 52:274–278. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., C. B. Rogers, and J. T. Wilcox. 2021. A new insular population of arboreal salamander (Aneides lugubris) in the San Francisco Bay. Western Wildlife 8:13–17. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., and A. Meisel. 2017. Ambystoma californiense (California tiger salamander). Predation. Herpetological Review 48:596. PDF

Wilcox, J. T., C. D. Vang, B. R. Muller, and J. A. Alvarez. 2017. Drought influences reproductive timing in two newt (Taricha) congeners. Herpetology Notes 10:585–587. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., and S. M. Foster. 2016. Variability in the larval coloration of the California tiger salamander. Herp Nation 19:28–30. PDF

Wilcox, J. T., G. E. Padgett-Flohr, J. R. Johnson, and J. A. Alvarez. 2015. Possible phenotypic influence of superinvasive alleles on larval California tiger salamanders (Ambystoma californiense). American Midland Naturalist 173:168–175. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., M. A. Shea, J. T. Wilcox, M. L. Allaback, S. M. Foster, G. E. Padgett-Flohr, and J. L. Haire. 2013. Sympatry in California tiger salamander and California red-legged frog breeding habitat within their overlapping range. California Fish and Game 99:42–48. PDF

Alvarez, J. A. 2004. Overwintering California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense) larvae. Herpetological Review 35:344. PDF

Alvarez, J. A. 2004. Use of artificial egg laying substrate to detect California tiger salamanders (Ambystoma californiense). Herpetological Review 35:45–46. PDF

FROGS/TOADS:

Gutberlet, E. and J. A. Alvarez. In Review. An observation of macroplastic entrapment of the threatened California red-legged frog in central California: a novel report or growing concern? Sonoran Herpetologist.

Alvarez, J. A. Michael Palladini, Mackenzie Gilliam, Jeffery T. Wilcox. In Review. A simple, successful method to translocate California red-legged frogs, Rana draytonii to aid in their recovery. Western North American Naturalist.

Alvarez, J. A., N. E. Murphey, and T. L. Lichty. In Review. Seeking concordance on the terminology of atypical amplexal behaviors in anurans. Herpetological Conservation and Biology. (Dec 2026).

Chamberlin, N., M. Sharp Chaney, A. Starr, and J. A. Alvarez. 2025. A sublethal craniofacial malformation in a California red-legged frog larva, in the western San Francisco Bay Area. Sonoran Herpetologist 38:216-218. PDF

Alvarez, J. A. 2025. Biofluorescence from the skin toxin in the California red-legged frog in Central California. Sonoran Herpetologist 38:197-199. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., J. T. Wilcox, and P. Garcia. 2025. Use of novel upland refugia by foothill yellow-legged frogs in the San Benito River Watershed, California. Sonoran Herpetologist 38:201-203. PDF

Ramirez, B., J. T. Wilcox, and J. A. Alvarez. 2025. Ocular abnormality in a foothill yellow-legged frog. Sonoran Herpetologist 38:206-207. PDF

Wilcox, J. T., S. Medrano, and J. A. Alvarez. 2025. Pseudachris regilla (Pacific treefrog). predation. Herpetological Review 55:416–5417. PDF

Kleponis, N. and J. A. Alvarez. 2025. Larval ecomorph mouthparts in the western spadefoot. Sonoran Herpetologist 38:171–174. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., I. Parr, A. Peralta-García, J. H. Valdez Villavicencio. 2025. Further evidence of range-wide overewintering larvae of the Californai red-legged frog, Amerana draytonii (Barid & Girard, 1852). Herpetology Notes 18:323–327. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., I. Parr, E. Gutberlet, and N. Kleponis. 2025. Biofluorescence in adult Western Spadefoot (Spea hammondii) in central California. Sonoran Herpetologist 38:88–90. PDF

Wilcox, J. T., S. Medrano, and J. A. Alvarez. 2025. Pesudacris regilla (Pacific Chorus Frog). Predation. Herpetological Review 55:416. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., and J. Howe. 2025. Spea hammondii (Western spadefoot). Leucism. Herpetological Review 55:418–419. PDF

Alvarez, J. A. and J. T. Wilcox. 2024. An effective method for long-term control of American bullfrogs syntopic with special-status native amphibians in California. Human–Wildlife Interactions 18:23–32. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., M. A. Shea, S. M. Foster, and A. Isner. 2024. Documented occurrence of the California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii) in reservoirs despite habitat alterations and the presence of predatory/exotic fishes. Western Wildlife 11:50–54. PDF

Sanchez, C., R. Perpignani, S. Wagoner, and J. A. Alvarez. 2024. Observation of a novel breeding habitat for the California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii) in San Benito County, California. Bulletin of the Southern California Academy of Sciences 123:96–100. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., and J. Woodall. 2024. Above ground phenology of the western spadefoot (Spea hammondii), and concomitant management implications. California Fish and Wildlife Journal 110:e18. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., J. T. Wilcox, M, Scofield, M. Coyle, and T. Collins. 2024. Color Polymorphism and Individual Variation in Disparate Populations California Red-legged Frogs (Rana draytonii). Sonoran Herpetologist 37:1818-184. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., J. H. Schmieg, and J. T. Wilcox. 2024. Diurnal versus nocturnal surveys for foothill yellow-legged frogs. Journal of Wildlife Management 2024:e22695 PDF

Alvarez, J. A., and R. Perpignani. 2024. Lithobates catesbeianus (American Bullfrog). Ultra violet reflectivity. Herpetological Review 55:74–75. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., and J. Jones. 2024. Field update on American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) control measures and the effect on foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii) observations in Sherlock Creek, Mariposa County, California. Sonoran Herpetologist 37:113-114. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., T. L. Lichty, N. E. Murphey, and M. Palladini. 2024. Rana draytonii (California red-legged frog). Idiopathic cloacal prolapse. Herpetological Review 54:635–636. PDF

Navarro-Tiznado, E. A. H., J. Valdez-Villavicencio, N. S. González-Gutiérrez, J. A. Alvarez, J. T. Wilcox, A. Peralta-García, J. Quintana-Mondragón, and R. A. Lara-Resendiz. 2024. Bullfrog eradication index for selection of a pilot site in the Mediterranean region of Baja California, Mexico. Acta Biológica Colombiana 29:12–25. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., E. Gutberlet, and J. T. Wilcox. 2024. Cave use by the threatened Rana draytonii Baird and Girard, 1852. Herpetological Notes 17:445–448. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., A. Peralta-García, and J. Valdez-Villavicencio. 2024. Putative cannibalism in the western spadefoot (Spea hammondii) in northern Baja California, México. Sonoran Herpetologist 96–97. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., V. Lozano, and D. G. Cook. 2024. Hind limb malformation in the foothill yellow-legged frog, Sonoma County, California. Sonoran Herpetologist 37:49–51. PDF

Isner, H., A. Isner, D. W. Hardeman, Jr., and J. A. Alvarez. 2024. Atypical anuran amplexus between western spadefoot and Pacific chorus frog during an explosive breeding event. Sonoran Herpetologist 37:54–56. PDF

Kleponis N., and J. A. Alvarez. 2024. Common use of Atypical Breeding Habitat in the Western Spadefoot (Spea hammondii), in Central California. Sonoran Herpetologist 37:94–95. PDF

Erway, A. L., J. T. Wilcox, J. A. Alvarez. 2023. Rana draytonii (California red-legged frog) Diet. Herpetological Review. 54:437–438. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., M. Aiken, and J. T. Wilcox. 2023. Sympatry and syntopy in California red-legged and foothill yellow-legged frogs in their aquatic habitat. California Fish and Wildlife 109:e16. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., J. W. Jones, M. Santora, H. Sheldon, E. Lopez, and M. Coyle. 2023. Management considerations related to the ovipositioning phenology of the California red-legged frogs (Rana draytonii) in the Sierra Nevada of California. Western Wildlife 10:56–60. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., I. Jackson, M. Falicki, and J. T. Wilcox. 2023. Rana draytonii. (California red-legged frog). Larval malformation. Herpetological Review. 54:276–277. PDF

Gallanty, E. A. O. J. Miano, and J. A. Alvarez. 2023. Lithobates catesbeianus (American bullfrog). Axanthism. Herpetological Review. 54:271. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., M. L. Olson, and J. T. Wilcox. 2023. Novel use of upland microhabitat by Rana boylii Baird 1854, in a perennial river drainage in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, central California, USA. Sonoran Herpetologist 36:74–75. PDF

Meyers, L. T., N. Sutter, R. Anderson, and J. A. Alvarez. 2023. Interspecific amplexus between western spadefoot (Spea hammondii) and western toad (Anaxyrus boreas) in Yorba Linda, California. Sonoran Herpetologist 36:50–51. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., M. Scofield, F. Cannizzo, K. Comer, M. L. Olson, M. Coyle, and J. T. Wilcox. 2023. Post-fire survival of the threatened California red-legged frog in the Sierra Nevada following the Mosquito Fire. California Fish and Wildlife Journal 109:e7. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., M. Gaytan, and J. T. Wilcox. 2023. Rana draytonii (California red-legged frog). Anophthalmia. Herpetological Review. 54:90–91. PDF

Alvarez, J. A, and T. S. Kerss. 2023. Microhabitat use by post-metamorphic western spadefoot (Spea hammondii) in Central California. Sonoran Herpetologist 36:6–7. PDF

Peralta-García, A., J. A. Alvarez, J. H. Valdez-Villavicencio, B. D. Hollingsworth. 2022. Longevity in wild California red-legged frogs (Rana draytonii) from Baja California, México. Southern California Academy of Sciences Bulletin 121:135–138. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., Lewis-Deweese, and J. T. Wilcox. 2022. Ocular biofluorescence due to utra-violet excitation in California red-legged and foothill yellow-legged frogs, in central California, USA. Sonoran Herpetologist 35:151–153. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., and J. T. Wilcox. 2022. Anaxyrus boreas (Western Toad). Death Feigning. Herpetological Review. 53:461–462. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., and J. T. Wilcox. 2022. Use of spring boxes in California, by the threatened Rana draytonii Baird and Girard, 1852. Herpetology Notes 15:383–386. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., and J. T. Wilcox. 2022. Minimum size at metamorphosis in Rana boylii (Neobatrachia: Ranidae), in Central California. Herpetology Notes 15:395–397. PDF

Jansen, D. S., and J. A. Alvarez. 2022. Rana draytonii (California red-legged frog). Coloration. Herpetological Review 53:108. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., and J. L. Haire. 2021. Unken reflex in the California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii) in western North America. Southern California Academy of Sciences Bulletin 120:132–134. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., and J. T. Wilcox. 2021. Anaxyrus boreas (Western Toad). Opportunistic scavenging. Herpetological Review 52:820–821. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., T. Collins, and M. Coyle. 2021. Observation of predation of Hyliola regilla (Anura: Hylidae) by a post metamorphic Rana draytonii (Anura: Panidae). Herpetological Notes 14:1371–1372. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., K. M. Garten, and D. G. Cook. 2021. Limb malformation in a foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii) from Sonoma County, California. Northwestern Naturalist 102:258–260. PDF

Pierce, M. T., J .T. Wilcox, A. L. Erway, V. L. Brunal, and J. A. Alvarez. 2021. Rana draytonii (California red-legged frog). Atypical Habitat. Herpetological Review 52:617–618. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., K. Garten, J. T. Wilcox, Z. Cava, A. Engstrom, J. Litteral, M. L. Olson, M. Peterson, H. Sardiñas, and M. Stake. 2021. Rana draytonii (California red-legged frog). Diet. Herpetological Review 52:618–619. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., J. T. Wilcox, and J. Jelincic. 2021. Cannibalism and scavenging by Hyliola regilla Baird and Girard, 1852 tadpoles in California. Herpetology Notes 14:1163–1165. PDF

Alvarez, J. A. and J. T. Wilcox. 2021. Observations of nocturnal habitat use by the Rana draytonii (California red-legged frog), and implications for restoration and other activities. Ecological Restoration 39:155–157. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., E. Lopez, T. Collins, A. Herman, J. Jelincic, M. L. Olson, B. Piontek, A. Ives Ringstad, and J. T. Wilcox. 2021. Misdirected amplexus between a Pacific treefrog (Pseudacris regilla) and a western toad (Anaxyrus boreas) in a Northern California upland. Northwestern Naturalist 102:161–163. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., and J. T. Wilcox. 2021. Observations of atypical habitat use by foothill yellow-legged frogs (Rana boylii) in the Coast Range of California. Western North American Naturalist 81:293–299. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., M. A. Shea, and J. T. Wilcox. 2021. Upwardly mobile: vertical movement of California red-legged frogs (Rana draytonii), and its management implications. Herpetology Notes 14:839–841. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., A. Ives Ringstad, and J. T. Wilcox. 2020. Rana draytonii (California red-legged frog). Diet. Herpetological Review 51:824. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., S. M. Foster, B. R. Muller, and C. D. Vang. 2020. Davian behaviour in the threatened California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii): more than just a waste of time. The Herpetological Bulletin 154:41–42. PDF

Wilcox, J. T., and J. A. Alvarez. 2019. Wrestling for real estate: Male-male interactions in breeding foothill yellow-legged frogs (Rana boylii). Western Wildlife 6:14–17. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., D. G. Cook, J. L. Yee, M. G. van Hattem, D. R. Fong, and R. Fisher. 2013. Comparative microhabitat characteristics as oviposition sites of the California red-legged frog. Herpetological Conservation and Biology 8:539–551. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., M. A. Shea, J. T. Wilcox, M. L. Allaback, S. M. Foster, G. E. Padgett-Flohr, and J. L. Haire. 2013. Sympatry in California tiger salamander and California red-legged frog breeding habitat within their overlapping range. California Fish and Game 99:42–48. PDF

Alvarez, J. A. 2013. Rana draytonii (California red-legged frog). Cannibalism. Herpetological Review 44:126–127. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., M. A. Shea, and S. M. Foster. 2013. Rana draytonii (California red-legged frog). Association with Beaver. Herpetological Review 44:127–128. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., E. Solana, and S. M. Foster 2013. Agalychnis callidryas (Red-eyed tree frog). Predation. Herpetological Review 44: 117–118. PDF

Alvarez, J. A. 2011. Bufo boreas (Western toad). Davian Behavior. Herpetological Review 42:408–409. PDF

Alvarez, J. A. 2005. Unanticipated predation of California red-legged frog at constructed wetlands (California). Ecological Restoration 21:66–67. PDF

Alvarez, J. A. 2004. Rana aurora draytonii (California red-legged frog) Microhabitat. Herpetological Review 35:162–163. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., C. Dunn, and A. Zuur. 2003. Response of California red-legged frogs to removal of non-native fish. Transactions of the Western Section of the Wildlife Society 38/39:9–12. PDF

Fellers, G. M., A Launer, G. Rathbun, S. Bobzien, J. Alvarez, D. Sterner, R. Seymour, and M. Westphal. 2001. Overwintering tadpoles in the California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii). Herpetological Review 32:156–157. PDF

TURTLES:

Alvarez J. A. In Review. A review of turtle shell notching, and a plea for methodological acknowledgement. Herpetological Conservation and Biology (In Review).

Alvarez, J. A., N. Mokhayesh., and J. T. Wilcox. 2025. Actinemys marmorata (Northwestern pond turtle) Supernumery scutation. Herpetological Review. (In Press - Mar 2026)

Richardson, A., B. Rozumowicz-Kodsontie, and J. A. Alvarez. 2025. Chelydra serpentina (Common Snapping Turtle). Geographic distribution. Herpetological Review. (In Press - Mar 2026).

Valdez-Villavicencio, J. H., A. Peralta-García, B. D. Hollingsworth, P. Galina-Tessaro, R. N. Fisher, J. A. Alvarez, and R. A. Lara-Resendiz. 2025. The Southwestern Pond Turtle (Actinemys pallida) in Baja California: new localities and persistent threats. Southern California Academy of Sciences Bulletin 124:67–79. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., and C. P. Scanlon. 2025. A horn-shaped choristoma on the neck of a southwestern pond turtle: Are turtles growing horns? Sonoran Herpetologist 38:165–168. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., and C. Del Vecchio. 2025. Maximum distance of pond turtle (Actinemys spp.) nests from aquatic sites, and management implications. Sonoran Herpetologist 37:194–197. PDF

von Ehrenkrook, A., M. Sierra, M. Stevens, and J. A. Alvarez. 2024. Atypical scutation in the red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta (Schoepff, 1792), in the Central Valley of California. Herpetology Notes 17:495–497. PDF

Wilcox, J. T., and J. A. Alvarez. 2023. Turtles under ice. Western Wildlife 10:42–46. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., R. Gaitan, M. A. Shea, and S. M. Foster. 2021. Unintended entrainment of western pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata) during algae control on a newly restored wetland. Ecological Restoration 39:223–225. PDF

Foster, S. M., S. Gergeni, K. A. Davidson, L. Stevenot, and J. A. Alvarez. 2021. Successful nest intervention for declining turtle species - the Northwestern (Actinemys marmorata) and Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida). Herpetological Bulletin 157:25–26. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., A. Richardson, and B. Rozumowicz-Kodsontie. 2021. Actinemys pallida (Southwestern pond turtle). Nest destruction. Herpetological Review 52:384. PDF

Alvarez, J. A. 2021. Actinemys marmorata (Northwestern pond turtle). Nesting after injury. Herpetological Review 52:124. PDF

Davidson, K. A., and J. A. Alvarez. 2020. A review and synopsis of nest site selection and site characteristics of western pond turtle. Western Wildlife 7:412–49. PDF

Davidson, K. A., L. M. Asseo, DVM, and J. A. Alvarez. 2020. Actinemys marmorata (Northern Pond Turtle) and Actinemys pallida (Southwestern Pond Turtle). Spectacle retention. Herpetological Review 51:307–308. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., and K. D. Davidson. 2018. Actinemys marmorata (Northwestern Pond Turtle). Atypical Nests. Herpetological Review 49:101–103. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., G. Kittleson, K. A. Davidson, and L. M. Asseo. 2017. Potential injury and mortality to the southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida) during restoration and maintenance activities. Western Wildlife 4:81–85. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., K. A. Davidson, and S. M. Foster. 2014. Actinemys marmorata (Western Pond Turtle). Nest predation. Herpetological Review 45:307–308. PDF

Alvarez, J. A. 2006. Actinemys marmorata. (Pacific Pond Turtle) Refugia. Herpetological Review 37:339–340. PDF

Alvarez, J. A. 2006. Use of artificial basking substrate to detect and monitor Pacific pond turtles (Emys marmorata). Western North American Naturalist 66:129–131. PDF

LIZARDS:

Alvarez, J. A., C. Noriega, J. H. Valdez-Villavicencio, and D. F. Pérez-Cañas. 2025. Biofluorescence in the skeletal system of the granite night lizard (Xantusia henshawi), in Baja California, Mexico. Sonoran Herpetologist 38:96–98. PDF

Parr, I., L. T. Myers, J. H. Valdez-Villavicencio, and J. A. Alvarez. 2024. Anniella stebbinsi (San Diegon legless lizard). Predation. Sonoran Herpetologist 37:183–184. PDF

Perpignani, R. and J. A. Alvarez. 2023. An observation of tail-bifurcation in a gilbert’s skink, Plestiodon gilberti. Sonoran Herpetologist. 36:8–9. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., J. H. Valdez-Villavicencio, J. T. Wilcox, and A. Peralta-Garcia. 2020. Bifurcation in the tail of the Black-tailed Brush Lizard (Urosaurus nigricaudus) in northern Baja California, Mexico. Sonoran Herpetologist 33:81. PDF

SNAKES:

Alvarez, J. A., and A. Murphy. In Prep. Masticophis lateralis (California whipsnake). Food items. Herpetological Review.

Alvarez, J. A., and C. D. Vang. 2024. Distribution of the western black-headed snake, Tantilla planiceps, in California: implications for management. Western North American Naturalist 84:175–187. PDF

Murphy, A. C., and J. A. Alvarez. 2023. Using chin spot pattern to differentiate individual Masticophis lateralis Hallowell, 1853 on the Pacific Coast of the United States. Herpetology Notes 16:615–618. PDF

Jansen, D. S., and J. A. Alvarez. 2022. Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus (Alameda whipsnakes). Entrapment. Herpetological Review 53:699–700. PDF

Alvarez, J. A. 2022. Tantilla planiceps (Western black-headed snake). Diet. Herpetological Review 53:522. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., and A. Murphy. 2022. Arboreality in the California whipsnake (Masticophis lateralis): Implications for survey techniques. Southern California Academy of Sciences Bulletin 121:34–40. PDF

Garten, K. M., J. A. Alvarez, and Z. A. Cava. 2022. Crotalus scutulatus (Mojave rattlesnake). Predation. Herpetological Review 53:338–339. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., C. Alvarado-Laguna, J. H. Valdez-Villavicencio, E. K. Lopez, R. A. Lara-Resendiz. 2022. Prolapsed hemipenis in an adult Baja California Coachwhip (Masticophis fuliginosus) in the Sierra San Pedro Mártir, Baja California, México. Sonoran Herpetologist 35:94–95. PDF

Alvarez J. A., A. Peralta-García, J. H. Valdez-Villavicencio, J. T. Wilcox, N. S. González, M. W. Anderson, R. Anderson, M. C. Bailey, Z. Cava, M. Falicki, E. Gallanty, K. M. Garten, D Howland, and L. T. Myers. 2021. An observation of multiple idiopathic kyphoscoliosis in a free-roaming California glossy snake (Arizona elegans occidentalis) in northwestern Baja California, México. Sonoran Herpetologist 34:87–89. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., D. S. Jansen, C. Shafer, and J. DiDonato. 2021. Observations of the phenology of the threatened Alameda whipsnake (Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus). California Fish and Wildlife Journal. California Fish and Wildlife Special CESA Issue 258–263. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., K. A. Davidson, F. Villalba, D. Amador, and A. V. Sprague. 2021. Atypical habitat use by the threatened Alameda whipsnake in the eastern Bay Area of California. Western Wildlife 8:8–12. PDF

Wilcox, J. T., J. C. Dittes, J. E. Howard, and J. A. Alvarez. 2021. Opportunism and dietary extremism leading to mortality in the gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer). Sonoran Herpetologist. 34:13–14. PDF

Miller, A., and J. A. Alvarez. 2017. Habitat use and management considerations for the threatened Alameda whipsnake (Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus) in Central California. Western Wildlife 3:29–32. PDF

Allaback, M. L., D. M. Laabs, J. A. Alvarez, and J. Anderson. 2016. Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia (San Francisco garter snake). Upland habitat use. Herpetological Review 46:278. PDF

Alvarez, J. A. 2006. Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus (Alameda whipsnake) Habitat. Herpetological Review 37:233. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., M. A. Shea, and A. Murphy. 2005. A compilation of observations of Alameda whipsnakes outside of typical habitat. Transactions of the Western Section of the Wildlife Society 41:21–25. PDF

BIRDS:

Wilcox, J. T., L. T. Myers, I. Jackson, and J. A. Alvarez. 2023. Apparent object play in the Northern Harrier. Western Birds 54:153–156. PDF

Alvarez, J. A. 2022. Common Ravens prey on Cliff Swallow nestlings in the Central Valley, California. Central Valley Birds 24:109–114. PDF

RODENTS:

Alvarez, J. A. 2023. Role of burrow systems of California ground squirrel burrows (Otospermophilus beecheyi) in sustaining native wildlife. Western Wildlife 10:47–55. PDF

Polvorosa Kline, M., J. A. Alvarez, and N. Parizeau. 2018. Kleptoparasitism of harvester ants by the giant kangaroo rat in the Carrizo Plain, California. Western North American Naturalist 78:208–211. PDF

Alvarez, J. A., M. A. Shea, and S. M. Foster. 2013. Rana draytonii (California red-legged frog). Association with Beaver. Herpetological Review 44:127–128. PDF

BATS:

Alvarez, J. A. et al. In Prep. Bat roosts in California: a review and implications for management. California Fish and Wildlife Journal

Alvarez, J. A. 2004. An easily constructed Tuttle trap for bats. Wildlife Society Bulletin 32:264–266. PDF

CARNIVORES:

Alvarez, J. A. In Prep. Historic and current distribution of wolves in California. California Fish and Wildlife Journal.

Alvarez, J. A., and A. J. Valencia. In Review. Eye–rhinarium ratio as a diagnostic for differentiating San Joaquin kit foxes from coyotes in camera trap images. Western Wildlife.

Alvarez, J. A. 2024. Jaguar (Panthera onca) in California: A History and a Future. Bulletin of the Southern California Academy of Sciences 123:85–95. PDF

BOOK REVIEWS:

Alvarez, J. A. 2025. Scientifically accurate children’s books about declining species in National Parks. Sonoran Herpetologist 38:228-229. PDF

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CO-AUTHORS

(listed alphabetically by first name; number following name indicates the number of different publications; total number of co-authors: n = 134)

Adam Crawford (Crawford Consulting LLC.)

Alan Launer (Stanford University)

Alex Freeman (Dudek)

Alexandra von Ehrenkrook (Sacramento State University)

Alicia Ives Ringstad (Jacobzoon Forestry) x2

Amanda Casby (Cardno)

Amanda Murphy (Wildlife Research Associates) x3

Andrea Navarro-Tiznado (Fauna del Noroeste de Baja California)

Andrea Zuur (Contra Costa Water District)

Andrew Engstrom (Alameda County Resource Conservation District)

Heidi Isner (Independant)

Andrew Isner (Department of Water Resources) x2

Angelique Herman (AECOM)

Angle V. Sprague (National Park Service)

Anna Erway (Sonoma State University) x2

Anny Peralta-Garcia (Fauna del Noroeste de Baja California) x7

Ariel Miller (US Air Force)

Art Richardson (Area West Environmental) x2

Autumn Meisel (MIG)

Barbara J. Alvarez (Independant)

Bayan Ahmed (Department of Water Resources)

Becky Rozumowicz-Kodsontie (Area West Environmental) x2

Brad Hollingsworth (San Diego Natural History Museum) x2

Brandt R. Muller (Surf to Snow) x2

Brian Piontek (Horizon Water and Environment)

Carissa Dunn (Metropolitan Water District)

Carlos Alvarado (Ascent Environmental)

Caroline Hamilton (Cardno)

Che B. Rodgers (Independant Naturalist)

Christian Noriega (UC Berkeley)

Chris P. Scanlon (Independant)

Christopher D. Vang (Independant) x5

Colton Rogers (Contra Costa Water District) x2

Crecencia Sanchez (Terracon)

Cyndy Shaffer (California State Parks)

Darren R. Fong (Golden Gate National Recreation Area)

David G. Cook (Sonoma County Water Agency) x3

David M. Laabs (Biosearch)

David Peréz-Cañas (Fauna del Noroeste de Baja California)

David Sterner (First Solar)

Deanne Weber (Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands)

Denise Amador (National Park Service)

Derek Jansen (AECOM) x3

Don W. Hardeman, Jr. (Independant)

Dustin Howland (Vagabond Environmental)

Edith Andrea Navarro-Tiznado (Fauno)

Elizabeth Gutberlet (California State Parks) x2

Elizabeth Lopez (Sequoia Ecological Consulting, Inc.) x3

Elly Gallanty (Independant) x2

Emilio Solana (Fincas Naturales Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica)

Fernando Villalba (National Park Service)

Francesca Cannizzo (Westervelt Ecological Services) x2

Galen Rathbun (California Academy of Sciences)

Gary A. Kittleson (Kittleson Environmental Consulting)

Gary Fellers (US Geological Survey)

Gretchen Padgett-Flohr (Helix) x3

Hannah Sheldon (Dokken Engineering)

Hiedi Isner (Independant)

Hillary Sardiñas (Alameda Resource Conservation District)

Ian Jackson (Forde Biological Consultants) x3

Ivan Parr (Biomaas) x2

Jacky Daley (ESA)

Jakob Woodall (San Francisco State University)

Jarrett Johnson (University of Kentucky)

Javier Venegas (Stantec)

Jaymee T. Marty (Marty Environmental Consulting) x2

Jeff Jones (BLM) x3

Jeffery T. Wilcox (Sonoma Mountain Ranch Preservation Foundation) x42

Jennifer Jelincic (Independant) x2

Jennifer Litteral (Pacific Gas and Electric)

Jennifer L. Haire (ICF) x2

Jesse H. Schmieg (Somona State University)

Jhovany Quintana-Mondragón ((Playas de Tijuana)

Joseph DiDonato (Wildlife Consulting and Photography)

John C. Dittes (Dittes and Guardino Consulting)

John E. Howard (Contra Costa Water District)

John Howe (Westervelt Ecological Services)

Jordan Graves (Swaim Biological)

Jorge. H. Valdez-Villavicencio (Fauna del Noroeste de Baja California) x11

Julia Gaudio (Swaim Biological)

Julie Anderson (Midpenisula Open Space District)

Julie L. Yee (US Geological Survey)

Kelly A. Davidson (Independant) x7

Kevin Herrera (Forde Biological)

Kimberly Cromer (Westervelt Ecological Services)

Kirsten Christopherson (US Air Force)

Kyla Garten (The Biophilia Group) x5

Louisa Asseo (Oasis Veterinary Hospital) x2

Luc Myers (Forde Biological Consultants) x5

Lucey Stevenot (Independant)

Lupita Solano (ICF)

Madeline Bailey (AECOM)

Madeleine Sierra (Sacramento State University)

Maresa Scofield (Westervelt Ecological Services)

Marina L. Olson (Westervelt Ecological Services) x4

Mario Gaytan (Algas Ecological Services)

Mark Allaback (Bioserach) x2

Mary A. Shea (Vernal Consulting) x11

Mason Pierce (Sonoma Mt Ranch Preservation Foundation)

Matt Coyle (Westervelt Ecological Services) x3

Matthew Polvorosa Kline (Independant Naturalist)

Max Anderson (Redstart Biological)

Megan Fee (Cardno)

Melia Zimmerman (Sonoma State University)

Michael Palladini (The Land Trust of Napa County)

Michael G. van Hattem (California Department of Fish and Wildlife)

Michael Westphal (Bureau of Land Management)

Michelle Stevens (Sacramento State University)

Mike Stake (Ventana Wildlife Society)

Mikhela Aiken (Area West Environmental)

Mira Falicki (Forde Biological Consultants) x3

Molly Peterson (Pacific Gas and Electric Company)

Nicolas Sutter (ICF)

Nicole Kelponis (California State Parks) x2

Nicolette Murphey (Blackbird Basin Biological) x2

Nicole Parizeau (Writer, Playwright, Naturalist)

Noon Mokhayesh (independant)

Norma Selena Gonzáles (Fauna del Noroeste de Baja California) x2

Oliver Miano (independant)

Penn Craig (US Air Force)

Rachel Perpignani (WRA, Inc.) x3

Rafael A. Lara-Resendiz (Fauna del Noroeste de Baja California) x3

Richard Seymour (Stanford University)

Robert Fisher (US Geological Survey) x2

Rodrigo Gaitan (Independant Biologist)

Ryan Anderson (Forde Biological Consultants) x3

Sabrina Medrano (Independant)

Sage Bylin (Forde Biological Consultants)

Sarah M. Foster (Foster Wildlife Surveys) x14

Shawn Wagoner (Terracon)

Steven Bobzien (East Bay Regional Park District)

Stephen Gergeni (Sequoia Ecological Consulting, Inc.)

Tanner Lichty (Lotic Environmental) x2

Tara Collins (Westervelt Ecological Services) x2

Tara Kerss (California State Parks, Carnegie State Vehicle Recreation Area)

Tommy Dryer (WRA)

Vanessa Lozano (Endemic)

Victoria Brunal (Sonoma State University)

Zachary Cava (The Biophilia Group) x4

Zachary Frey (Independant)