This is an unofficial and non-regulatory list of reptiles and amphibians that are either data deficient, MESA-Delisted, or of suspected conservation concern that we are interested in tracking. Species are included on this list for the following reasons:
- the species is thought to be rare, declining, or vulnerable, but there is insufficient information on the condition, number, and size of the population to make a determination.
- the species was removed from the official regulatory list, but the Program believes it is still in need of some conservation attention.
- the species distribution and abundance are not well known. These species are on the list to ensure they are tracked while herpetologists determine whether they are appropriate for proposal to the MESA list.
- the taxonomic status and associated distribution is poorly understood.
Scientific Name |
Common Name | S Rank | G Rank |
---|---|---|---|
Clemmys guttata | Spotted Turtle | S4 | G5 |
Sternotherus odoratus | E. Musk Turtle | S4S5 | G5 |
Heterodon platirhinos | E. Hog-nosed Snake | S4 | G5 |
Thampnophis sauritus | E. Ribbonsnake | S4S5 | G5 |
Opheodrys vernalis | Smooth Greensnake | S5 | G5 |
Gyrinhophilus porphyriticus | Spring Salamander | S3S5 | G5 |
Hemidactylium scutatum | Four-toed Salamander | S3S4 | G5 |
Lithobates spp. | leopard frogs | -- | -- |
The conservation status of a species is designated by a number (1-5) and preceded by a letter reflecting the appropriate geographic scale of the assessment. S Rank refers to "subnational" or the local/state status, while G Rank refers to the "global" status (looking at the species as a whole). The numbers have the following meaning:
1 = critically imperiled
2 = imperiled
3 = vulnerable
4 = apparently secure
5 = secure
Contact for Reptiles and Amphibians of Undetermined Status
Online
Phone
Open M–F, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. (closed noon–12:30 for lunch)
North/Central/Western Massachusetts
Southeastern Massachusetts/Cape & Islands