The valley contains a number of reptile and amphibian species including several endemic or near-endemic species or subspecies such as the San Joaquin whipsnake (Masticophis flagellum ruddocki), the blunt-nosed leopard lizard (Gambelia sila), Gilbert’s skink (Eumeces gilberti) and the giant aquatic garter snake (Thamnophis couchii).    From Wordnik.com.  [California Central Valley grasslands] Reference