occidentalis subspecies reimagined.
For a while now, I've been drawing range maps for the subspecies of Western Fence Lizards and this is the first time I created one I'm mostly happy with:
https://tinypic.host/image/5-9-24.D86wtm
I added a subspecies for SoCal fence lizards and changed the range of the Sierra Fence Lizard to cover the whole Sierra range. I changed Northwestern range by having it include the Northern part of the Great Basin which is more mountainous and wooded.
Despite the effort I put into it, I'm not 100% certain and think there's some parts that could be changed. Feel free to give any input.
Edit 5/17/24: https://tinypic.host/image/5-17-24-2.DUZaz5 Tweaked the ranges a bit. Added a "North Valley" fence lizard subspecies, but not to certain on it. Could very well be lumped in with Northwestern.
Edit 8/21/24: https://tinypic.host/image/8-21-24.DpPfwa
Created a new subspecies map based off my own experience with IDs and from this study: https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.16321
What I believe and not absolute fact:
Added a new subspecies, removed some, and renamed others. The San Joaquin subspecies is just a result of the high genetic diversity from the specie's point of origin.
As the species spread up north, populations were separated by the Sierra Mountains and the Mojave. At the same time, I believe adaption to freezing winters happened two separate times for the species. First in the Sierra Mountains and second in the coastal Pacific Mountain.
The species spread farther north, but only one genetic group was well adapted to colder temperatures and continued north.
