REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS GENERAL INFORMATION

Pools for Amphibians (N.C. State Forestry Extension)
North Carolina supports the greatest diversity of amphibians in the United States, over 90 species. Amphibians can be encouraged on your property by constructing and maintaining fishless pools.

Identifying N.C. Snakes (N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Video)
In this episode of Conservation Conversations, sit down with biologist Jeff Hall as he explains to you how to identify snakes located in North Carolina, how to tell the difference between different snake species, what to do if you find a snake and many more snake related questions and information.

Fire and Amphibians in North America (USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station)
One problem with implementing National Fire Plan objectives is that large information gaps exist regarding effects of proposed fuel-reduction practices (e.g., prescription burning and mechanical fuel reduction) on native flora and fauna. Amphibians are of particular conservation concern because many species have restricted geographical ranges, occur only in localized microhabitats that may be vulnerable to management activities, or are listed under the Endangered Species Act.

Lizards or Salamanders? Effects of forest management in the southern Appalachians on reptiles and amphibians (USDA Southern Research Station Compass Live)
The southern Appalachians are crawling with salamanders. In western North Carolina alone, more than 45 species can be found, and they are critical members of food webs – both as predators and as prey. Salamanders and other amphibians, as well as reptiles, can be affected by forest management practices.

Habitat Management Guidelines for Amphibians and Reptiles of the Southeastern United States (Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation)
This publication is intended to provide private landowners, state and federal land agencies, and other interested stakeholders with regional information on the habitat associations and requirements of amphibians and reptiles, possible threats to these habitats, and recommendations for managing lands in ways compatible with or beneficial to amphibians and reptiles.

Reptiles and Amphibians in Your Backyard (N.C. State Forestry Extension)
Scientists combine amphibians and reptiles in a group called herpetofauna. This name comes from the word herpetology, which is the scientific study of reptiles and amphibians. Herps play important roles in the ecosystems where they live. Some are predators that keep numbers of their prey in check. Examples include salamanders that eat insect larvae or snakes that eat mice and other rodents. Herps are found on the other end of the food chain as well; frogs are important prey for many species of fishes, birds, mammals, and reptiles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reptiles and Amphibians (NC Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation)
Answers to common questions about reptiles and amphibians are answered here.

Minimizing Conflicts with Venomous Snakes (NC PARC)
This brochure describes how to minimize conflict with these ecologically significant yet potentially dangerous animals.

Coexisting With Snakes (NC Wildlife Resources Commission)
Few creatures are as widely misunderstood as snakes. Fueled by myths and old-wives tales, many people fear snakes and worry for the safety of people and pets when snakes are present. In reality, snakes are shy creatures that pose little to no threat to us when left alone.

Recognizing, Protecting and Constructing Vernal Pools (webinar, Ohio State School of Environment and Natural Resources)
Learn the basics of vernal pool hydrology, ecology, and habitat with MAD Scientist Associates and OSU Lecturer, Mark Dilley. Mark will share recommendations for protecting and enhancing vernal pools and how landowners can create functional vernal pools on their property.