Out on a Limb

Rhacodactylus ciliatus

RNA (A.K.A. Ribo)

Glendale, California

August 6th, 2007

I took this photograph of one of my male crested geckos a few years back. I own several crested geckos, as well as a pair of viper geckos, several bearded dragons, and an anerythristic corn snake. Of my collection of reptiles, I think the crested gecko has one of the most interesting natural histories. 

The crested gecko, Rhacodactylus ciliatus, is endemic to southern New Caledonia (Grand Terre and the Isle of Pines). It was first described by Alphone Guichenot, a French zoologist, in 1866. The gecko was thought to have been extinct until it was rediscovered in 1994. A few individuals were taken back to the United States and Europe were the gecko was found to be a prolific breeder, and easy to maintain. Today they are one of the most popular geckos to keep. 

Unfortunately, the in the wild, the crested gecko has not been so lucky. This species is threatened by human encroachment on its habitat, and by the introduced little fire ant. The little fire ant (Wassmannia auropunctata) was introduced to New Caledonia sometime between 1955 and 1972. It was most likely brought in with ornamental or agricultural plants. The ant competes with the gecko for food (insects and other small arthropods), and preying on the gecko itself. 

A Lonely Trail at Deukmejian Wilderness Park

La Mesnager Loop Trail

Deukmejian Wilderness Park, California

May 31st, 2009

Deukmejian Wilderness Park is one of my favorite places to hike in Glendale, California. I discovered this park about four years ago when I purchased the book Afoot and Afield in Los Angeles County by Jerry Schad. The La Mesnager Loop Trail is a 1.4 mile (2.2 km) hike with only a 420 foot change in elevation. It is easy to maneuver in a sturdy pair of cross-trainers but I prefer a pair of light boots. As you reach the top of the mountain make sure to take a quick 50 yard side trip up the La Mesnager Lookout Trail. On a clear day from the lookout you can see Catalina Island. Once back on the main trail, you might want to veer off once again and take the steep (1195 ft change in elevation) Rim of the Valley Trail, this trail will take you up the mountain to the Haines Canyon Road. I usually double-back down the trail and return to the La Mesnager Loop Trail. Another option is to stay on the La Mesnager Loop Trail and take the short jaunt the end of Dunsmore Canyon, before finishing your hike.

The photograph above was taken in the Spring of 2009 just three months before the devastating Station Fire. Unfortunately Deukmejian Wilderness Park was burned as part of the effort to save the community surrounding the 704 acre park. The park itself is closed for the time being, and hopefully it will re-open again in the near future. If you would like to see images of the park after the controlled burn, including one taken in almost the exact location of my photograph you can click here: City of Glendale: Community Services and Parks.