Lizards of the East Mojave Desert

September 4th (10am-11am) Lizards of the East Mojave Desert by Jason Wallace

Jason Wallace is a herpetologist and the Field Station Operations Manager of the California State University Desert Studies Center, Zzyzx (DSC), a scientific field research station located in the Mojave National Preserve.  As Field Station Manager, he is responsible for overseeing and participating in all aspects of facility operations and guest services. 

Jason earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Biology from California State University, Fullerton. His Master’s thesis examined population dynamics of desert reptiles in the East Mojave/Soda Springs area. In 2008, after joining the staff, he resurrected this research to establish a long-term study of our local herpetofauna. 

This ongoing study is now among the most comprehensive herpetological surveys in the western deserts of North America. Jason’s other research experiences include studies on Mojave fringe-toed lizard, Mojave Desert tortoise, Mohave tui chub, green sea turtle, and desert willow. Jason has an extensive understanding of desert organisms and desert ecology and regularly collaborates with federal, state and local agencies such as NPS, BLM, NASA, USFWS, USGS, and CDFW.