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Photographed by Les Fredette

40% of the world's amphibians are currently at risk of extinction

And reptiles follow behind them at 20% (IUCN Red List). Wildlife conservation is more important now than it ever has been-- however not everybody seems concerned. Without proper education on the topic, people will most likely fail to understand the impact they have on the environment and the animals that live in it.

Amphibians are one of the few animal groups that need vernal pools in order to survive. These are temporary bodies of water that form from rainfall or snowmelt, generally in the fall or spring. Many species of frogs and salamanders require the pools to breed in, migrating to them in masses during their breeding seasons. Yet these ecosystems are becoming threatened, being destroyed primarily by land development as humans level forests and build on top of areas that once housed these special systems. During their migrations, many frogs or salamanders get run over by cars that drive on roads built between their habitats and the vernal pools they depend on.

Vernal Pool

Photographed by Alyssa Jones in Monroe

Another threat to amphibians is pollution. They absorb water through their easily permeable skin, leaving them susceptible to absorbing these pollutants. Pesticides and fertilizers that people use in their yards can easily enter bodies of water through runoff, contaminating it. To help reduce this, try switching to natural products as an alternative. Climate change is also having drastic effects on amphibians. Many species are sensitive to temperatures and moisture, and are highly dependent on weather patterns for breeding behavior. This makes it very difficult for amphibians to adapt to the changing climate.

Invasive species effect both amphibians and reptiles.

These are animals brought outside of their native range, either through the pet trade or as unwanted passengers when transporting goods. Instead of dying, they are able to adapt to and survive in the new habitat, competing with native species. They take up food and living space, and have few natural predators in the wild-- allowing them to multiply quickly. They also have the potential to passively carry diseases, transmitting them to native populations and causing outbreaks that are incredibly deadly. If you own a pet that you no longer want, never release it into the wild. Instead you can re-home it or surrender it to a humane society.

Reptiles, specifically snakes, face threats from humans hunting and killing them. It is very widely accepted in todays society. Whether this is due to fear or ignorance, or it stems from a deep-rooted evolutionary bias that snakes are creepy and deadly, this practice is unacceptable. This is especially common with venomous snakes, or snakes that people believe to be venomous. Out of around 3,000 species of snakes, only 600 are venomous-- and only around 200 of those have enough venom to kill a human. If you stay informed of what potentially dangerous snakes are in your area, you can know what to look out for. All snakes, venomous or non-venomous, will only bite if they are provoked, so keep your distance and don't attempt to disturb them.

As you look through this website, take note of the conservation statuses listed on each species page. Two are shown; the status in the state and globally. If applicable, the state's listing is also shown, whether the species is of special concern, threatened, or endangered.

About

As a student with a love for herpetology, I found that there was a lack of information available online about Connecticut's reptiles and amphibians. I was specifically surprised that information on the range of species across the state could not be found in a straightforward manner. I took the opportunity to create my own website for my capstone project, a graduation requirement for all high school seniors. This website includes lots of information about each species that can be found in Connecticut, featuring range maps that I created by cross-checking multiple sources. Descriptions are provided so species can be identified, as well as suggestions and tips for telling the difference between those that are easily confused. My goal for this website is to inform and educate people about reptiles and amphibians, and make everyone aware of the challenges they are facing due to human activity. I also hope that if anyone else has a passion for herpetology like me, this site will be able to answer all of their questions about the amazing creatures that can be found in Connecticut.

Now that I have graduated high school, I am continuing my education and pursuing a degree in Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology with the goal of entering the field of wildlife conservation. In the future I am hoping to work towards protecting endangered habitats and the species that reside within them.

Contact

Have any questions? Need help with an identification? Want your photos featured on this website? Seen a species somewhere not indicated on a range map? Email me at:

ajones7428@gmail.com