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Amphibians & Reptiles

New York State is home to a variety of amphibians and reptiles (herpetofauna). On this page you will find links to descriptions, life history, distribution and habitat, status, management and research needs of several amphibian and reptile species.

Help celebrate 2011 - 'Year of the Turtle'

Year of the Turtle Logo
Partners in Amphibian and
Reptile Conservation (PARC)

2011 has been designated 'Year of the Turtle':

To find out more about turtle conservation efforts worldwide, visit the Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation's website by following the link on the right hand side of this page.

Herp Atlas Project

The Herp Atlas Project was a ten year survey designed to document the geographic distribution of New York State's amphibians and reptiles. The survey information is used to monitor changes in reptile and amphibian populations, guiding habitat and wildlife management decisions.

Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Poster
Click on the image for a
larger view
Art by Jean Gawalt

More about Amphibians & Reptiles:

  • Amphibian Poster - A poster by DEC staff Jean Gawalt
  • Herp Atlas Project - The Amphibian & Reptile Atlas Project (Herp Atlas) was a ten year survey that was designed to document the geographic distribution of New York State's herpetofauna.
  • Blanding's Turtle Fact Sheet - Blanding's Turtle: species description, life history, distribution and habitat, status, management and research needs.
  • Bog Turtle Fact Sheet - Bog Turtle: species description, life history, distribution and habitat, status, management and research needs.
  • Bullfrog - Where to see the bullfrog. Includes information on preferred habitat, appearance and how to identify.
  • Diamondback Terrapin - Information on the appearance and ecology of the diamondback terrapin and the best places to view them in the wild.
  • Eastern Massasauga Fact Sheet - Eastern Massasauga: species description, life history, distribution and habitat, status, management and research needs.
  • Eastern Mud Turtle Fact Sheet - Eastern Mud Turtle: species description, life history, distribution and habitat, status, management and research needs.
  • Eastern (Red-Spotted) Newt - Interesting facts, identification information and habitat preferences of the Eastern newt; and where to go to view them in the wild.
  • Eastern Hellbender Fact Sheet - Eastern Hellbender: species description, life history, distribution and habitat, status, management and research needs.
  • Eastern Tiger Salamander Fact Sheet - Eastern Tiger Salamander: species description, life history, distribution and habitat, status, management and research needs.
  • Northern Cricket Frog Fact Sheet - Northern Cricket Frog: species description, life history, distribution and habitat, status, management and research needs.
  • Snapping Turtle - Information on the appearance, habits and habitat preferences of the snapping turtle. Where to go to view snapping turtles in the wild.
  • Spotted Turtle Fact Sheet - Spotted Turtle: species description, life history, distribution and habitat, status, management and research needs.
  • Timber Rattlesnake Fact Sheet - Timber Rattlesnake: species description, life history, distribution and habitat, status, management and research needs.
  • Atlantic Hawksbill Sea Turtle Fact Sheet - Atlantic Hawksbill Sea Turtle: species description, life history, distribution and habitat, status, management and research needs.
  • Atlantic Ridley Sea Turtle Fact Sheet - Atlantic Ridley or Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle: species description, life history, distribution and habitat, status, management and research needs.
  • Green Sea Turtle Fact Sheet - Green Sea Turtle: species description, life history, distribution and habitat, status, management and research needs.
  • Leatherback Sea Turtle Fact Sheet - Leatherback Sea Turtle: species description, life history, distribution and habitat, status, management and research needs.
  • Loggerhead Sea Turtle Fact Sheet - Loggerhead Sea Turtle: species description, life history, distribution and habitat, status, management and research needs.