Diversity of Amphibians and Reptiles Associated With Grasslands of Janos–Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico/La Diversidad de Anfibios y Reptiles Asociada a los Pastizales de Janos-Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, México

Prairie-dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) colonies in northwest Chihuahua, Mexico, have been of great significance not only in initiating protection programs for the species but also in learning about the biological diversity (flora and fauna) of the natural grasslands of Janos-Casas Grandes, Chihuahua. Therefore a study of the herpetological fauna within the prairie-dog colonies and surrounding areas was launched more than two years ago in what is known as the Janos-Casas Grandes complex. The area is located 75 kilometers south of the Mexico-U.S. border in the municipality of Janos, Chihuahua. Within prairie-dog towns, the dominant vegetation is natural grassland, while mesquite (Prosopis spp.) prevails in the surrounding areas. More than 300 species of vertebrates have been identified