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Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas Project

Project Coordinator: Jim Andrews

The Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas Project collects and disseminates data needed to make informed recommendations regarding the state status, state rank, and conservation of Vermont’s reptiles and amphibians. With the help of volunteers, collaborations with conservation organizations, and staff members, we are continuing to collect information and broaden our knowledge base regarding the natural history, distribution, and effective conservation of Vermont’s Reptiles and Amphibians. The ultimate goal of the Atlas is to gather and disseminate the data that are needed on the reptiles and amphibians of Vermont in a way that involves and informs Vermont individuals and organizations so that they can become more informed and effective stewards of wildlife habitat.

Autumn 2008 update

The Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas (HerpAtlas) has successfully completed a move to its new office in Salisbury and has been enjoying its new collaboration with VFF. This past year we have been receiving hundreds of reptile and amphibian reports and herptile conservation inquiries from folks from all corners of the state. Although just an observation at this point, I have been impressed with the increase in the numbers of Milksnake (“spotted adder” to many of us locals) reports. I suspect that the mild winters and warm summers of the last few years have allowed this egg-laying snake to prosper. The Milksnake is an entirely harmless snake, but it will shake its tail and it is often is identified as a rattlesnake.

(top to bottom) T. sirtalis (Common Gartersnake) and T.sauritus (Eastern Ribbonsnake)

We usually target a few species for our own survey efforts. Currently we are following up on leads for three very rare reptiles with funding from the South Lake Trust and Vermont Fish and Wildlife. These target species are the North American Racer, the Eastern Ribbonsnake, and the misnamed “Common” Five-lined Skink. We have only two snake species that are mostly black and grow to over five feet long. Both are rare and of interest, but the Racer is by far the rarest of the two. It is currently only known from one population in the Connecticut River Valley. Unlike the Ratsnake, it is a solid mat black with an entirely gray belly. It is also much more alert and nervous than a Ratsnake. Our second target species, the Eastern Ribbonsnake, looks much like a Gartersnake but it is much thinner, more cleanly marked, and has clear white cheeks (upper lips) and a dark-red head. In contrast, the Gartersnake has yellow cheeks and a dark green head. If you think you may have seen a Ribbonsnake, please send us a photo! The final target species is Vermont’s only lizard (think snake with legs). Currently it is only known from West Haven, Vermont.

Of course, we are always interested in photos and reports of all reptile and amphibian species. Check out the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas website and let us know what you are seeing!

Spring 2008 update

The Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas Project has joined forces with Vermont Family Forests (VFF). According to Project Coordinator Jim Andrews, The Vermont Herp Atlas began in 1994 as an effort to gather the data needed to make informed recommendations regarding the appropriate status and conservation of reptiles and amphibians in Vermont. Since then, the goals have been broadened to incorporate public education, encourage citizen involvement, and promote conservation. The goal of the Atlas is to gather and disseminate data on reptiles and amphibians in a way that involves and informs Vermont residents, landowners, and land managers, so that they will become more educated, effective stewards of wildlife and wildlife habitat.