Distribution Maps for Amphibians and Reptiles at the edge of their range in New York State

Transcription

1 Distribution Maps for Amphibians and Reptiles at the edge of their range in New York State Lauren Lyons-Swift, Tim Howard New York Natural Heritage Program September 7, 2010 Abstract: In this report we identify the herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles) at the edge of their range in NYS. Of the 74 herpetofauna known to occur in New York, 28 are at the edge of their range in the state with an additional 7 having a limited but variable distribution. Continental range maps, where available, confirm this finding. Of the 35 edge-of-range species identified, two had a northern distribution pattern (pages 7-9), nine were southern (pages 10-19), 12 were southeastern (20-32), five were western (pages 33-38), and seven were considered variable (pages 39-46). The NYS Herpetological Database (approximately 90,000 records) provides observation records and allows us to present the statewide distributions in a way that provides perspective on movements of range edges that may have already occurred. Using the NYS Herpetological Database, we mapped all 35 species with restricted distributions by location and by date of observation. Dates of observations ranged from 1805 to the present. While some species have some indication of changes in their distribution, further analysis would be required to quantify these changes. Introduction: The State of New York is a crossroads of North Temperate Zone biological diversity. Indeed, seven different ecoregions cross into New York (Bailey 1997), the south-north transition from oak-dominated forests to maple-dominated forests largely occurs in New York (Cogbill et al. 2002), and many animals and plants reach their northern or southern range limits within the state. Particularly in this time of uncertainty in plant and animal responses to changes in climate, understanding the potential behavior of edge-of-range species is critical for making projections about how ecosystems are likely to respond to climate change. Yet a complete list of edge-of-range species for New York does not exist. The purpose of this project was to begin to rectify this problem by identifying the herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles) at the edge of their range in New York State. Recognizing the potential of the database and the fact that we are in the midst of ongoing climate change, we also explored the possibility of detecting movement in range edges by mapping the earliest date each edge-of-range species was observed within the boundaries of USGS quadrangles. Methods/materials: 1. We began by screening for edge-of-range herpetofauna using the NYS DEC public website ( This site contains distribution maps for 74 amphibians and reptiles found in New York (see example below). These distribution maps show all USGS 7.5 minute topographic quadrangles in which each species of amphibian and reptile are known to occur, as based on the Amphibian and Reptile Atlas Project from (Herp Atlas Project). For a few species, additional reports collected during the post Atlas period are included if they represent new locations not previously identified. Some reported observations may be removed from the database during the final quality review prior to publication of the results (Ozard 2010). The data collected over the nine year span of the Herp Atlas Project were more than adequate, for the purposes of this initial screening, to determine the likely edge-ofrange species from the pool of all amphibians and reptiles known to occur in the state. 2. To better refine statewide distributions and better understand the temporal aspect of herpetological observations throughout the state, we worked NYS DEC staff on the combined herpetofauna database (NYSDEC 2009; Ozard 2010). This database is maintained by the nongame unit and includes all amphibian and reptile observations recorded from 1805 to the present. New York Natural Heritage Program 1

2 Total observations for this database come to over 90,000 records. We ran a series of queries on the data to eliminate records that lacked dates and/or clear location data. The resulting dataset contained approximately 70,000 records. Although many records have a higher spatial resolution, most records are recorded at the level of a USGS quad, an appropriate scale for this project. 3. In order to simplify presentation and explore the possibility that range shifts may already be occurring, we selected the earliest date each species was observed within a given USGS quadrangle. The resulting dataset contains just under 20,000 records. 4. We projected the tabular query results into a GIS and created distribution maps for each species. Species maps were then grouped based on which geographic part of New York State represented the edge their range. 5. To better understand the relationship between statewide distributions and entire species ranges, we also examined full range maps for each targeted species. 6. We grouped species by their patterns of distribution within the state and continental range and present distribution maps, range maps, and species and habitat information organized by this grouping to best understand the spatial significance of distribution shifts for New York s herpetofauna. Results Edge-of-range species Of the 74 amphibian and reptile species known to occur in New York State, we found 35 species with restricted statewide distributions (Table 1). An additional five marine turtle species also showed a restricted distribution but were not included in this report. Most of these species with restricted distributions are clearly at the edge of their range (e.g. Marbled Salamander, Figure 1a). Yet others have a restricted distribution with patches of populations scattered throughout the state (e.g. Blanding s Turtle, Figure 1b). Based on information from the distribution maps, range maps, and known habitat requirements, we have included these variable species in this report because of the potential for them to shift distribution with our changing climate. Table 1 lists all 35 species alphabetically by common name; Table 2 groups the species by geographical distribution. Figure 1. NYS Herp Atlas distribution map for Marbled Salamander (left) and Blanding s Turtle (right) exemplifying a typical species at its northern range in Southeastern New York and a species with variable but limited distribution that may show distribution shifts concomitant with climate change (Source: New York Natural Heritage Program 2

3 Of the 35 species identified with restricted distributions, two had a northern distribution pattern, nine were southern, 12 were southeastern, five were western, and seven were considered variable (limited distribution but no distinct geographic area). Following Tables 1 and 2, we dedicate a page for each species and provide a distribution map, a range map, species description, and a description of habitat preferences to produce Species Data Pages. Range maps for each species were taken from a variety of sources including NatureServe Explorer website (NatureServe 2010) and the IUCN Redlist website (IUCN 2010). Species pages are grouped geographically below. Discussion Our finding that nearly 50% of New York s herpetofauna show a limited distribution in the state heightens the significance of how this taxonomic group may respond to our changing climate. Predicting which of these species are most likely to respond quickly to climate change would require additional research into habitat preferences, mobility, barriers, and population dispersal life-history traits, just to name a few. Many of these species are quite mobile, with an ability to travel along stream courses and connected wetland systems. Yet others may be restricted to very specific habitats with no other real options within reach of migrating individuals. Understanding these types of habitat needs, habitat connectivity, and dispersal ability will allow us to better understand the potential for these species identified here to expand into new parts of the state. One of New York s species, the Mink Frog, is clearly a northern species with its population cores in the Tug Hill and the Adirondacks. This is a species for which we would expect to see a range contraction in the coming years. We could detect no indication of range contraction already occurring using all the Mink Frog observation records from the Herp database, but this certainly is a species to watch at its distribution peripheries. As stated earlier, every single record of the NYS Herpetological Database has not been fully verified; some of the spatially errant records may be misidentifications. This does not undermine the tremendous value of this dataset, it simply reinforces that any analysis using these data should focus on core population areas and not necessarily single outliers. One avenue where additional spatial analysis of these records would be sure to be fruitful would be in detecting range extensions that are already occurring. Some of the species that seem to show the most promise for significant range expansions at some sites include the Northern Black Racer, Eastern Hognose Snake, Eastern Worm Snake, Northern Cricket Frog, and Spotted Turtle. Spotted Turtle, for example, has a clear core of early records at the north end of its range in Albany and Rensselear counties with newer records expanding up the Hudson River valley. Clearly, any analysis attempting to examine such range expansions needs to take into account survey effort and the large increase in records during the Herp Atlas decade ( ). Still, further analysis is warranted to see if these difficulties can be overcome. Other species to watch may be those on the edge of their range in New York that have relatively general habitat requirements. These species include Western Chorus Frog, Marbled Salamander, Shorthead Garter Snake, and Wehrle s Salamander. Introduced species such as the Italian Wall Lizard may also be species that show early and rapid distributional responses to climate change. The information in this report provides the jumping off point for exploring which amphibians and reptiles are likely to move into portions of the state where they currently do not reside. The behaviors and habitat of any species migrating into or through new habitats are likely to alter food-web and ecosystem dynamics. Even ecosystem function has been shown to be severely altered with species range shifts, mostly for invasives (e.g. Brooks et al. 2004, Mack et al. 2000), but the loss or gain of native species may have similar effects (e.g. Naeem et al. 1999). Thus, understanding which species are most likely to re- New York Natural Heritage Program 3

4 arrange their distributions in New York will help us take that next step in understanding how changes in species distributions throughout the state may influence ecosystem resiliency and ecosystem function. Most important, perhaps, is that amphibians and reptiles overall represent a very small component of New York s biodiversity. Other vertebrates, invertebrates, and especially plants will be shifting their ranges in response to climate. We do not yet understand the potential and magnitude of these coming changes. An obvious first step is to conduct similar edge-of-range analyses for other groups of species. Excellent spatial data exist for plants, a particularly large group that would require a different, automated approach to detecting edges-of-range. We hope to move on to this group as time and funding permits. New York Natural Heritage Program 4

5 Table 1. Herpetofauna with limited distributions New York State, sorted by common name. The final column, edge of range categorizes how each species distribution is restricted in the state. Those labeled as South, for example, indicate species at their northern edge of their range in New York and currently restricted to the southern portions of the state. Common name Scientific name Edge of range Blanding's Turtle Emydoidea blandingii Variable Bog Turtle Glyptemys muhlenbergii Variable Common Map Turtle Graptemys geographica Variable Common Musk Turtle Sternotherus odoratus Variable Eastern Box Turtle Terrapene c. carolina South Eastern Hellbender Salamander Cryptobranchus a. alleganiensis South Eastern Hognose Snake Heterodon platirhinos Southeast Eastern Massasauga Sistrurus c. catenatus West Eastern Mud turtle Kinosternon subrubrum Southeast Eastern Redbelly Turtle Pseudemys rubriventris South Eastern Spadefoot Scaphiopus holbrookii Southeast Eastern Spiny Softshell Apalone spinifera Variable Eastern Tiger Salamander Ambystoma t. tigrinum Southeast Eastern Worm Snake Carphophis a. amoenus Southeast Five-lined Skink Plestiodon fasciatus Southeast Fowler's Toad Bufo fowleri Variable Italian Wall Lizard Podarcis sicula Southeast Longtail Salamander Eurycea l. longicauda South Marbled Salamander Ambystoma opacum Southeast Mink Frog Rana septentrionalis North Northern Black Racer Coluber c. constrictor South Northern Coal Skink Plestiodon a. anthracinus West Northern Copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen Southeast Northern Cricket Frog Acris crepitans Southeast Northern Fence Lizard Sceloporus undulatus hyacinthinus Southeast Northern Red Salamander Pseudotriton r. ruber South Queen Snake Regina septemvittata West Red-eared Slider Trachemys scripta elegans South Shorthead Garter Snake Thamnophis brachystoma West Southern Leopard Frog Rana sphenocephala South Spotted Turtle Clemmys guttata Variable Timber Rattlesnake Crotalus horridus South Wehlre's Salamander Plethodon wehrlei West Western Chorus Frog Pseudacris triseriata North Yellowbelly Slider Trachemys s. scripta Southeast New York Natural Heritage Program 5

6 Table 2. Herpetofauna with limited distributions in New York State organized by geographic distribution. Species grouped under North have a northern distribution in New York and the southern edge of these species range passes through New York State. Common name Scientific name North Mink Frog Rana septentrionalis Western Chorus Frog Pseudacris triseriata South Eastern Box Turtle Terrapene c. carolina Eastern Hellbender Salamander Cryptobranchus a. alleganiensis Eastern Redbelly Turtle Pseudemys rubriventris Longtail Salamander Eurycea l. longicauda Northern Black Racer Coluber c. constrictor Northern Red Salamander Pseudotriton ruber ruber Red-eared Slider Trachemys scripta elegans Southern Leopard Frog Rana sphenocephala Timber Rattlesnake Crotalus horridus Southeast Eastern Hognose Snake Heterodon platirhinos Eastern Mud turtle Kinosternon subrubrum Eastern Spadefoot Scaphiopus holbrookii Eastern Tiger Salamander Ambystoma t. tigrinum Eastern Worm Snake Carphophis a. amoenus Five-lined Skink Plestiodon fasciatus Italian Wall Lizard Podarcis sicula Marbled Salamander Ambystoma opacum Northern Copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen Northern Cricket Frog Acris crepitans Northern Fence Lizard Sceloporus undulatus hyacinthinus Yellowbelly Slider Trachemys s. scripta West Eastern Massasauga Sistrurus c. catenatus Northern Coal Skink Plestiodon a. anthracinus Queen Snake Regina septemvittata Shorthead Garter Snake Thamnophis brachystoma Wehlre's Salamander Plethodon wehrlei Variable Blanding's Turtle Emydoidea blandingii Bog Turtle Glyptemys muhlenbergii Common Map Turtle Graptemys geographica Common Musk Turtle Sternotherus odoratus Eastern Spiny Softshell Apalone spinifera Fowler's Toad Bufo fowleri Spotted Turtle Clemmys guttata New York Natural Heritage Program 6

7 Northern species Two species were identified as having the southern edge of their range in northern New York (Table 3). The New York distribution maps and range maps for these species follows. Table 3. Herpetofauna species with the edge of their range in the northern part of New York State. Common name Scientific name Type Mink Frog Rana septentrionalis amphibian - frog Western Chorus Frog Pseudacris triseriata amphibian - frog New York Natural Heritage Program 7

8 Mink Frog (Rana septentrionalis) Description: This frog measures cm long and has a mottled or spotted dorsal pattern. The skin produces a mink-like odor (or rotten onions) when the frog is rubbed. Habitat: Found along streams and rivers but prefers borders of ponds and lakes. (Conant & Collins 1991) Figure 2. The earliest observations of Mink Frog within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 3. Range map for Mink Frog compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). New York Natural Heritage Program 8

9 Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata) Description: A small frog measuring cm long. The back is usually pale gray with three dark stripes down the back and a wide dark stripe down each side of the body passing through the eye. Habitat: Found in a variety of habitats, some dry and altered by human activities. Originally occurring in prairies but has expanded its range into farm lands. May also inhabit damp meadows and marshes. (Conant & Collins 1991, Shearwater Marketing Group 2007, NatureServe 2010) Figure 4. The earliest observations of Western Chorus Frog within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 5. Range map of Western Chorus Frog (IUCN Red list of Threatened Species 2010). Data source: IUCN, Conservation International & NatureServe. New York Natural Heritage Program 9

10 Southern species Nine species were identified as having the northern edge of their range in the southern half of New York (Table 4). The New York distribution maps and range maps for these species follow. Table 4. Herpetofauna species with the edge of their range in southern New York. Common Name Scientific name Type Eastern Box Turtle Terrapene c. carolina reptile - turtle Eastern Hellbender Salamander Cryptobranchus a. alleganiensis amphibian - salamander Eastern Redbelly Turtle Pseudemys rubriventris reptile - turtle Longtail Salamander Eurycea l. longicauda amphibian - salamander Northern Black Racer Coluber c. constrictor reptile - snake Northern Red Salamander Pseudotriton r. ruber amphibian - salamander Red-eared Slider Trachemys scripta elegans reptile - turtle Southern Leopard Frog Rana sphenocephala amphibian - frog Timber Rattlesnake Crotalus horridus reptile - snake New York Natural Heritage Program 10

11 Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) Description: This turtle measures cm long and has a high, domelike shell with variable coloration and pattern. The upper and lower shells may be yellow, orange, or olive, on black or brown. Habitat: Inhabits forests and fields. They may enter shallow pools in summer. They will burrow into loose soil, debris, mud, old stump holes, or under leaf litter. (Conant & Collins 1991, NatureServe 2010) Figure 6. The earliest observations of Eastern Box Turtle within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 7. Range map for Eastern Box Turtle compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). New York Natural Heritage Program 11

12 Eastern Hellbender Salamander (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis) Description: A very large, slimy, aquatic salamander measuring cm long. The head is flattened and the body has fleshy folds of skin. It is usually gray but may vary from yellowish brown to black. Habitat: Found in rivers and larger streams with running water and with rocks or debris for shelter. (Conant & Collins 1991) Figure 8. The earliest observations of Eastern Hellbender Salamander within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 9. Range map for Eastern Hellbender Salamander compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). New York Natural Heritage Program 12

13 Eastern Redbelly Turtle (Pseudemys rubriventris rubriventris) Description: A large basking turtle measuring cm long with a highly variable pattern and coloration. The shell is brown to black with a red bar on each marginal scute. Habitat: This turtle prefers large bodies of water such as deep ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers with aquatic vegetation. (Conant & Collins 1991, Shearwater Marketing Group 2007, NatureServe 2010) Figure 10. The earliest observations of Eastern Redbelly Turtle within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 11. Range map for Eastern Redbelly Turtle compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). New York Natural Heritage Program 13

14 Longtail Salamander (Eurycea longicauda longicauda) Description: Adult salamanders vary in length from cm. The color varies from yellow to orange and sometimes red with vertical black markings on the tail. Habitat: Occurs along streamsides, spring runs, cave mouths, and abandoned mines. May disperse into wooded terrestrial habitats in wet weather. Hides in rock crevices and under rocks, logs, and other debris. (Conant & Collins 1991, NatureServe 2010) Figure 12. The earliest observations of Longtail Salamander within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 13. Range map for Longtail Salamander compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). New York Natural Heritage Program 14

15 Northern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor constrictor) Description: A large, slender snake measuring cm long. Coloring is plain black on upper and lower sides with some white on chin. Habitat: Abandoned fields, open woodlands, grasslands, and sparse brushy areas. (Conant & Collins 1991, Shearwater Marketing Group 2007) Figure 14. The earliest observations of Northern Black Racer within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 15. Range map for Racer compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). Northern Black Racer is a subspecies. New York Natural Heritage Program 15

16 Northern Red Salamander (Pseudotriton ruber ruber) Description: This salamander measures cm long. Its color is typically red or orange with a black spotted upper surface. Habitat: Found near cool springs or small streams under moss, stones, or other objects. (Conant & Collins 1991, NatureServe 2010) Figure 16. The earliest observations of Northern Red Salamander within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 17. Range map for Red Salamander compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). Northern Red Salamander is a subspecies. New York Natural Heritage Program 16

17 Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) Description: This turtle measures cm long. The shell is olive green to brown in color with a wide red patch behind the eye. This was the common turtle sold in stores as pets. Habitat: Prefers slow moving rivers and shallow streams with dense vegetation. Also found in ponds and lakes with soft bottoms. (Shearwater Marketing Group 2007, Conant & Collins 1991, NatureServe 2010) Figure 18. The earliest observations of Red-eared Slider within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. No range map available. New York Natural Heritage Program 17

18 Southern Leopard Frog (Rana sphenocephala) Description: Maximum length for this frog is 13 cm. They are typically green or brown with irregularly spaced rounded dark spots on the back and a yellowish ridge along each side. Habitat: Can occur near any freshwater habitat and may even live near brackish marshes. In summer, they may travel into moist upland vegetation. (NatureServe 2010) Figure 19. The earliest observations of Southern Leopard Frog within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 20. Range map for Southern Leopard Frog compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). New York Natural Heritage Program 18

19 Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) Description: A venomous snake that typically measures cm long. The body can be yellow, black or gray with dark crossbands. The end of the tail has a horny rattle or button. Habitat: In the Northeast, this species inhabits hilly forested terrain with many rock outcrops and talus slopes. (Conant & Collins 1991, NatureServe 2010, Shearwater Marketing Group 2007) Figure 21. The earliest observations of Timber Rattlesnake within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 22. Range map for Timber Rattlesnake compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). New York Natural Heritage Program 19

20 Southeastern New York 12 species were identified as having the northern edge of their range in the southeastern part of New York State including Long Island (Table 5). The New York distribution maps and range maps for these species follow. Table 5. Herpetofauna species with the edge of their range in the southeastern part of New York State. Common Name Scientific name Type Eastern Hognose Snake Heterodon platirhinos reptile - snake Eastern Mud turtle Kinosternon subrubrum reptile - turtle Eastern Spadefoot Scaphiopus holbrookii amphibian - toad Eastern Tiger Salamander Ambystoma t. tigrinum amphibian - salamander Eastern Worm Snake Carphophis a. amoenus reptile - snake Five-lined Skink Plestiodon fasciatus reptile - lizard Italian Wall Lizard Podarcis sicula reptile - lizard Marbled Salamander Ambystoma opacum amphibian - salamander Northern Copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen reptile - snake Northern Cricket Frog Acris crepitans amphibian - frog Northern Fence Lizard Sceloporus undulatus hyacinthinus reptile - lizard Yellowbelly Slider Trachemys s. scripta reptile - turtle New York Natural Heritage Program 20

21 Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) Description: A stout snake, cm long, with an upturned, slightly pointed snout and a wide neck. The color can be yellow, tan, brown, gray, or reddish with dark square blotches on back. Black or nearly plain gray snakes are common in some areas. Habitat: Open, sandy-soiled areas such as thinly wooded upland hillsides, forest edges, prairies, woodland meadows, and cultivated fields. (Conant & Collins 1991, Shearwater Marketing Group 2007, NatureServe 2010) Figure 23. The earliest observations of Eastern Hognose Snake within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 24. Range map for Eastern Hognose Snake compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). New York Natural Heritage Program 21

22 Eastern Mud Turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum) Description: This turtle measures 7 10 cm long with a smooth, brown shell. The plastron is double hinged and may be yellow-brown or marked with dark brown. There is a broad ridge between the upper and lower shells. The head is spotted, mottled, or streaked with yellow. Habitat: A semi-aquatic turtle that is often found away from water. Inhabits shallow water including ditches, wet meadows, small ponds, and marshes. This species is also tolerant of brackish water. (Conant & Collins 1991, Shearwater Marketing Group 2007, NatureServe 2010) Figure 25. The earliest observations of Eastern Mud Turtle within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 26. Range map for Eastern Mud Turtle compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). New York Natural Heritage Program 22

23 Eastern Spadefoot (Scaphiopus holbrookii) Description: A toad measuring cm long. This is the only spadefoot east of the Mississippi River. The upper surface is brown, olive, gray, or blackish. A curved yellow line often extends from each eye and down the back. A single hard sickle-shaped spade is on the inner underside of each hind foot. Habitat: The Eastern Spadefoot occurs in areas of sandy, gravelly, or soft, light soils in wooded or unwooded terrain. (Conant & Collins 1991, Shearwater Marketing Group 2007, NatureServe 2010) Figure 27. The earliest observations of Eastern Spadefoot within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 28. Range map of Eastern Spadefoot (IUCN Red list of Threatened Species 2010). Data source: IUCN, Conservation International & NatureServe. New York Natural Heritage Program 23

24 Eastern Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum) Description: This salamander measures cm in length. It is a dull black to deep brown on the dorsal side with light olive to yellowish brown irregular shaped spots. The belly is olive-yellow and marbled with a darker pigment. Habitat: In shallow ponds of sandy pine barrens. (Conant & Collins 1991, Shearwater Marketing Group 2007, NatureServe 2010) Figure 29. The earliest observations of Eastern Tiger Salamander within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 30. Range map for Tiger Salamander compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). The Eastern Tiger Salamander is a subspecies. New York Natural Heritage Program 24

25 Eastern Worm Snake (Carphophis amoenus amoenus) Description: A small snake, cm long that resembles an earth worm. Body is plain brown above and the belly is pink. The head is pointed. Habitat: Prefers moist earth and disappears deep underground in dry weather. Usually discovered under stones, boards, or in rotting logs. (Conant & Collins 1991) Figure 31. The earliest observations of Eastern Worm Snake within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 32. Range map for Eastern Worm Snake compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). New York Natural Heritage Program 25

26 Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus) (synonym: Eumeces fasciatus) Description: This highly variable reptile measures cm long. It is generally black or brown with 5 broad light stripes. Stripe can fade with age and adults may be uniform brown. The tail can be blue to gray. Habitat: Prefers damp locations such as humid woodlands with decaying leaf litter, rotting stumps, and decaying logs. (Conant & Collins 1991, Shearwater Marketing Group 2007, NatureServe 2010) Figure 33. The earliest observations of Five-lined Skink within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 34. Range map for Five-lined Skink compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). New York Natural Heritage Program 26

27 Italian Wall Lizard (Podarcis sicula) Description: Adults are approximately 9 cm long. They have a highly variable color pattern but are usually tan with green on the head, neck, and upper body. Their underside is typically white. Habitat: An introduced species native to the Mediterranean region. Found in grassy fields, gardens, city parks, stone walls. This species is mostly terrestrial but can climb. (NatureServe 2010, Breisch & Jaycox 2009) Figure 35. The earliest observations of Italian Wall Lizard within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 36. Range map for Italian Wall Lizard compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). New York Natural Heritage Program 27

28 Marbled Salamander (Ambystoma opacum) Description: This dark colored salamander measures cm long with gray or white bands on the body. The bands often run together creating light colored bands around dark spots. The skin is smooth and the belly is plain black. Habitat: Occurs in a variety of wooded habitats near swamps or vernal pools. They are tolerant of dry habitats and can be found in rocky areas, slopes and wooded sand dunes. Adults are entirely terrestrial. (Conant & Collins 1991, NatureServe 2010) Figure 37. The earliest observations of Marbled Salamander within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 38. Range map for Marbled Salamander compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). New York Natural Heritage Program 28

29 Northern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen) Description: A stout snake measuring cm long. This snake has a coppery-red head with a dark chestnut hourglass pattern down the back. Habitat: Rocky wooded hillsides and mountains often above water such as a river or pond. (Conant & Collins 1991, Shearwater Marketing Group 2007, NatureServe 2010) Figure 39. The earliest observations of Northern Copperhead within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 40. Range map for Northern Copperhead compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). New York Natural Heritage Program 29

30 Northern Cricket Frog (Acris crepitans) (Synonym: Acris crepitans crepitans) Description: This frog measures cm long. It is brownish with green markings on the dorsal side and a dark stripe on the thigh. The head is blunt and the first toe is completely webbed. Habitat: Found in the open along edges of marshes, marshy ponds, and small slow-moving streams. (Conant & Collins 1991, NatureServe 2010) Figure 41. The earliest observations of Northern Cricket Frog within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 42. Range map of Northern Cricket Frog (IUCN Red list of Threatened Species 2010). Data source: IUCN, Conservation International & NatureServe. New York Natural Heritage Program 30

31 Northern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus hyacinthinus) Description: A small lizard measuring cm long. The body is spiny and typically gray or brown. This subspecies is found north of the deep south. Habitat: These lizards prefer sunny locations such as open woodlands and dunes. Often seen on rotting logs or wooden rail fences. (Conant & Collins 1991, Shearwater Marketing Group 2007) Figure 43. The earliest observations of Northern Fence Lizard within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. No range map available. New York Natural Heritage Program 31

32 Yellowbelly Slider (Trachemys scripta scripta) Description: This turtle measures cm long. Shell is brown to olive green with vertical yellow bands. Most noticeable field mark is the yellow patch behind the eye. Habitat: This turtle is found in a wide variety of habitats including slow moving streams and rivers, ponds, swamps, lakes, and ditches. (Conant & Collins 1991, Shearwater Marketing Group 2007, NatureServe 2010) Figure 44. The earliest observations of Yellowbelly Slider within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 45. Range map for Slider compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). Yellowbelly Slider is a sub-species. New York Natural Heritage Program 32

33 Western species Five species were identified as having the eastern edge of their range in western New York (Table 6). The New York distribution maps and range maps for these species follow. Table 6. Herpetofauna species with the edge of their range in the western part of New York State. Common Name Scientific name Type Eastern Massasauga Sistrurus c. catenatus reptile - snake Northern Coal Skink Plestiodon a. anthracinus reptile - lizard Queen Snake Regina septemvittata reptile - snake Shorthead Garter Snake Thamnophis brachystoma reptile - snake Wehlre's Salamander Plethodon wehrlei amphibian - salamander New York Natural Heritage Program 33

34 Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) Description: A medium-sized snake, ranging from cm long. A brownish-gray snake with dark brown or black round blotches on back and sides. A dark bar bordered by light markings extends from eye to the jaw. There are dark bars on the top of head that extend onto neck. Habitat: Inhabits Sphagnum bogs, fens, swamps, marshes, and shrub-dominated peatlands. (Conant & Collins 1991, Shearwater Marketing Group 2007, NatureServe 2010) Figure 46. The earliest observations of Eastern Massasauga within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 47. Range map for Eastern Massasauga compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). New York Natural Heritage Program 34

35 Northern Coal Skink (Plestiodon anthracinus anthracinus) (synonym: Eumeces anthracinus anthracinus) Description: Measures cm long. This lizard is brown with four light stripes extending from neck onto tail. The Northern Coal Skink subspecies young are patterned like an adult. Habitat: Damp wooded areas with abundant leaf litter or loose stones. (Shearwater Marketing Group 2007, NatureServe 2010, Conant and Collins 1991) Figure 48. The earliest observations of Northern Coal Skink within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 49. Range map for Coal Skink compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). The Northern Coal Skink is a subspecies. New York Natural Heritage Program 35

36 Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata) Description: This aquatic snake measures cm long. It is slender, tan to brown, with a yellow stripe along the body. Habitat: This snake prefers small creeks and rivers with exposure to sun. (Conant & Collins 1991, NatureServe 2010, Shearwater Marketing Group 2007) Figure 50. The earliest observations of Queen Snake within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 51. Range map for Queen Snake compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). New York Natural Heritage Program 36

37 Shorthead Garter Snake (Thamnophis brachystoma) Description: A relatively small garter snake. The adults usually measure cm long. The head of this snake is not wider than the neck. Color pattern includes lateral stripes along the body bordered by a narrow dark line. Habitat: Prefers herbaceous cover including old fields, meadows, pastures, forest edges which are often close to wetlands. (Conant & Collins 1991, NatureServe 2010) Figure 52. The earliest observations of Shorthead Garter Snake within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 53. Range map for Shorthead Garter Snake compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). New York Natural Heritage Program 37

38 Wehlre s Salamander (Plethodon wehrlei) Description: This salamander is cm long with a dark gray or dark brown body with irregular whitish spots down each side. This species is confused with the Northern Slimy Salamander. Habitat: Wehlre s Salamander is found in upland forests under stones, in rotting logs, in deep rock crevices, and at the entrances of caves. (Conant & Collins 1991, Shearwater Marketing Group 2007, NatureServe 2010) Figure 54. The earliest observations of Wehlre s Salamander within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 55. Range map for Wehlre s Salamander compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). New York Natural Heritage Program 38

39 Variable distribution Seven species were identified as having a variable distribution pattern in New York State (Table 7). These species had a limited distribution but did not cluster in any one part of the State. Range maps indicate these species are not considered to have ranges throughout the state and their distributions may respond to change in climate. Table 7. Herperofauna with a variable distribution pattern in New York State. Common Name Scientific name Type Blanding's Turtle Emydoidea blandingii reptile - turtle Bog Turtle Glyptemys muhlenbergii reptile - turtle Common Map Turtle Graptemys geographica reptile - turtle Common Musk Turtle Sternotherus odoratus reptile - turtle Eastern Spiny Softshell Apalone spinifera reptile - turtle Fowler's Toad Bufo fowleri amphibian - toad Spotted Turtle Clemmys guttata reptile - turtle New York Natural Heritage Program 39

40 Blanding s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) Description: A turtle with an adult shell measuring cm. A semi-box turtle with a plain gray or grayish brown shell. There are many bright spots which often run together to form bars or streaks. The turtle has a bright yellow chin and throat. Habitat: An essentially aquatic turtle found in lake shallows, ponds, marshes and creeks with soft bottoms and dense aquatic vegetation. (Conant and Collins 1991, Shearwater Marketing Group 2007, NatureServe 2010) Figure 56. The earliest observations of Blanding s Turtle within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 57. Range map for Blanding s Turtle compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). New York Natural Heritage Program 40

41 Bog Turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) Description: A small turtle (7.5 9 cm long) with a light brown to black shell. The head is brown with a large yellow or orange patch above and behind the tympanum. Habitat- This species occurs in Sphagnum bogs, swamps, and clear, slow moving meadow streams with muddy bottoms. (Conant & Collins 1991, NatureServe 2010) Figure 58. The earliest observations of Bog Turtle within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes.. Figure 59. Range map for Bog Turtle compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). New York Natural Heritage Program 41

42 Common Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica) Description: This turtle is cm long for males and cm long for females. The shell is greenish to olive-brown with a reticulated pattern of thin yellow-orange lines resembling a map of canals or waterways. The skin is greenish with narrow yellow stripes and an isolated yellow spot behind the eye. Habitat: Slow rivers and lakes with mud bottoms, basking logs, and aquatic vegetation. This turtle prefers large bodies of water. (Conant & Collins 1991, Shearwater Marketing Group 2007, NatureServe 2010) Figure 60. The earliest observations of Common Map Turtle within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 61. Range map for Common Map Turtle compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). New York Natural Heritage Program 42

43 Common Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) Description: This turtle is cm long with two light stripes on the head. The shell is smooth, highly domed, elongated and varies from olive brown almost black. When picked up this turtle secretes a musky odor. Habitat: The only musk turtle found in the north. Common in many still bodies of freshwater. Found in shallow, clear water lakes, ponds, and rivers. May bask well above the water on tree limbs. (Conant & Collins 1991, Shearwater Marketing Group 2007, NatureServe 2010) Figure 62. The earliest observations of Common Musk Turtle within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 63. Range map for Common Musk Turtle compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). New York Natural Heritage Program 43

44 Eastern Spiny Softshell (Apalone spinifera spinifera) Description: A softshell turtle with Males measuring cm long and females are cm long. Shell covered with soft leathery skin with projections on the upper surface. This subspecies has a large olive to tan shell with, with black-bordered eye spots and one dark rim line. Habitat: Essentially a river turtle but also occurring in lakes and other quiet bodies of water where sand and mud bars are available. (Conant & Collins 1991, Shearwater Marketing Group 2007, NatureServe 2010) Figure 64. The earliest observations of Eastern Spiny Softshell within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. No range map available. New York Natural Heritage Program 44

45 Fowler s Toad (Bufo fowleri) Description: This toad measures cm long. It is usually brownish gray with a light mid-dorsal stripe. The back is spotted with 3 or more warts in each of the largest dark spots. Habitat: Found on the Atlantic coastal plain with some distribution farther inland. Inhabits sandy areas around shores of lakes, or in river valleys. (Conant & Collins 1991) Figure 65. The earliest observations of Fowler s Toad within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 66. Range map for Fowler s Toad compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). New York Natural Heritage Program 45

46 Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata) Description: This semi-aquatic turtle measures cm long. The hard shell is black, somewhat flattened and scattered with round yellow spots. There are yellow to orange spots on the head and neck. Habitat: Inhabits unpolluted, shallow bodies of water with aquatic vegetation and a soft bottom. Some of these habitats include small marshes, bogs, fens, swamps, and vernal pools. (Conant & Collins 1991, NatureServe 2010) Figure 67. The earliest observations of Spotted Turtle within each USGS quadrangle. Quads with only more recent observations have larger dot sizes. Figure 68. Range map for Spotted Turtle compiled by IUCN, Conservation International, NatureServe, and collaborators (NatureServe 2010). New York Natural Heritage Program 46

47 Literature Cited Bailey, R. Map: Ecoregions of North America. [revised] Washington, DC, UDSA Forest Service in cooperation with The Nature Conservancy and the U. S. Geological Survey. Breisch, A. R. and Jaycox, J. W. Lizards of New York State. DEC Outdoor Discovery: Connecting New Yorkers to Nature Albany, NY, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Brooks, M. L., C. M. D'Antonio, D. M. Richardson, J. B. Grace, J. O. N. E. Keeley, J. M. Ditomosso, R. J. Hobbs, M. Pellant, and D. Pyke Effects of invasive alien plants on fire regimes. BioScience 54: Cogbill, C. V., J. Burk, and G. Motzkin The forests of presettlement New England, USA: spatial and compositional patterns based on town proprietor surveys. J.Biogeogr. 29: Conant, R. and T. Collins Field guide to reptiles and amphibians of eastern/central North America. Third edition. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, MA. 450 pp. IUCN IUCN Red list of threatened species. Version Accessed: Mack, R. N., D. Simberloff, W. M. Lonsdale, H. Evans, M. Clout, and F. A. Bazzaz Biotic invasions: causes, epidemiology, global consequences, and control. Ecol.Appl. 10: Naeem, S., F. S. Chapin, R. Costanza, P. R. Ehrlich, F. B. Golley, D. U. Hooper, J. H. Lawton, R. V. O'Neill, H. A. Mooney, O. Sala, A. J. Symstad, and D. Tilman Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning: maintaining natural life support processes. NatureServe NatureServe Explorer: an online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Accessed: NYSDEC Herp atlas project. A report prepared for New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. New York Natural Heritage Program, Albany, NY. Ozard, J Herps atlas database. Shearwater Marketing Group enature.com field guides. Accessed: New York Natural Heritage Program 47