Lizards & Snakes
Lizards & Snakes
Cortland Herpetology ConnectionSurveying Tips
Here's how to find the reptiles and amphibians you're looking for while preserving their habitat.
Remember: The primary goal of this program is to conserve and protect our populations of amphibians and reptiles. So it's extremely important to disturb their habitats as little a possible when you survey them. Always replace any surface objects that you turn over. Always release an animal as soon as possible and in exactly the same location as it was found. Many of these animals have territories or home ranges. If you release them away from these areas they may try to migrate back and may be killed along the way.
There are more surveying tips below. But first be sure to read the Cautions box below before you hit the field. New York's wild areas are relatively safe, but you need to be aware potential dangers so that you can prevent accidents.
How to find reptiles and amphibians
Streamside amphibians. Many salamander species, and some frogs, snakes, and turtles frequent small woodland streams. The salamanders are most often seen beneath stones along the edges of such streams. Frogs are most often found in weedy areas. Remember important microhabitats take time to form beneath the stones, so put all stones back exactly as you found them.
Locating frogs and toads. One of the best ways to locate populations of frogs and toads is to listen for their calls. Most call in the evening or at night. Many species call in spring (mid to late March through June), while a few species call in midsummer. Learn to identify the species in your area by their calls using the audio tape provided with your educational materials. You can report frog calls to the Atlas, even without actually seeing the frogs, if you are certain of your identifications. However, it is always preferred that you actually see the frogs.
Select point sampling. Most terrestrial amphibians and reptiles are found by people searching likely-looking spots (e.g., beneath logs, stones, or other objects) in forests, fields, and along bodies of water. Salamanders and frogs are more likely to be found under objects that are shaded much of the day, but snakes are more often found in sunny areas. Use care not to be bitten by snakes or stung by insects. Please remember that the habitats beneath the objects take a long time to become suitable for reptiles and amphibians. Be sure to replace logs and stones as you found them, so that our populations can thrive.
Using nets. Dip nets can be used along the weedy shorelines of ponds and lakes to capture frogs and aquatic salamanders (such as red-spotted newts). Farm ponds that don't get to much livestock use are good places for the newts and several frog species. Be careful while dip netting during early spring when the nets could damage the amphibian egg masses that are laid in the water.
Traps. Professional studies of amphibians and reptiles often use a variety of traps that capture the animals unharmed. However, we do not recommend that you use any traps without first checking with Al Briesch, Project Director of the New York Amphibian and Reptile Atlas or your local DEC officials.
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