Results of a habitat restoration study on retired agricultural lands in the San Joaquin Valley, California

Published source details Uptain C.E., Garcia K.R., Ritter N.P., Basso G., Newman D.P. & Hurlbert S.H. (2005) Results of a habitat restoration study on retired agricultural lands in the San Joaquin Valley, California. Pages 107-175 in: Land Retirement Demonstration Project five year report. US Department of the Interior, Interagency Land Retirement Team, Fresno, California.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Plant native species Action Link
	Replant vegetation Action Link

Plant native species

A before-and-after study in 1999–2003 of former agricultural land in California, USA (Uptain et al. 2005) found that upland habitat restored by seeding and transplanting native plant species was colonized by California king snakes Lampropeltis getulus californiae, western fence lizards Sceloporus occidentalis and gopher snakes Pituophis catenifer. California king snakes and western fence lizards were observed from two years after restoration took place (in 2001–2003). Gopher snakes were recorded in the year after restoration took place only. Western whiptail lizards Cnemidophorus tigris were recorded before restoration, but not afterwards, although the authors report that they are likely to have persisted in low numbers. In 1999, native plants were introduced to 20 plots (4 ha) in randomized blocks by either seeding or transplanting, with or without surface contouring. Visual encounter surveys (circular plots and transects) and artificial coverboard surveys (4/plot) were undertaken once before restoration in 1999 and at least 12 times thereafter in 2000–2003.

(Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)
Replant vegetation

A before-and-after study in 1999–2003 of retired agricultural land in California, USA (Uptain et al. 2005) found that upland habitat restored by seeding and transplanting native plant species was colonized by western toads Bufo boreas. The species was recorded annually from 2000 and was the only amphibian observed. In 1999, native plants were introduced to 20 plots (4 ha) in randomized blocks by either seeding or transplanting, with or without surface contouring. Visual encounter surveys (circular plots and transects) and artificial coverboard surveys (4/plot) were undertaken four times annually.