Amphibians and Reptiles of the Winooski NRCD
The watersheds within the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District host many interesting species of amphibians and reptiles, some of which are rare, threatened, or endangered. These animals are an important component of the ecosystem, both terrestrial and aquatic.
Interesting to note, Vermont has a native lizard, the Common Five-lined Skink. This endangered species prefers to live in deciduous forests, mines, quarries, rocky outcrops and slopes.
We are home to seven species of turtles, including the; Snapping Turtle, Musk Turtle, Wood Turtle, Northern Map Turtle, Painted Turtle, Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle and the Spotted Turtle. Of these the Wood Turtle, Northern Map Turtle and Musk Turtle are species of concern due to their low numbers. The Spotted Turtle is endangered and prefers swamps, beaver dams, ponds and wet meadows. The Spiny Softshell Turtle, with its unique soft shell and pointed nose is threatened and can be found in Lake Champlain.
Eleven species of snakes can be found with the district, including the; Northern Watersnake, DeKay’s Brownsnake, Redbelly Snake, Garter Snake, Ribbonsnake, Ring-neck Snake, Racer, Smooth Greensnake, Eastern Ratsnake, Milksnake, and the Timber Rattlesnake. Of these the Ribbonsnake is a species of concern due to its low numbers. The Racer is a threatened species and prefers to live in wet meadows, abandoned fields, mines and quarries. The Ratsnake is also threatened and prefers to live in deciduous forests, abandoned fields, rocky outcrops and slopes. The Timber Rattlesnake is the only endangered snake within the district and prefers to live in deciduous forests and rocky outcrops and slopes.
The district is home to ten species of salamanders, including the; Northern Two-lined Salamander, Blue Spotted Salamander, Mudpuppy, Jefferson Salamander, Red-spotted Salamander, Dusky Salamander, Redback Salamander, Four-toed Salamander, and the Spring Salamander. Of these the Jefferson Salamander, Blue-spotted Salamander, Four-toed Salamander and the Mudpuppy are species of concern.
Eleven species of frogs and toads can be found within the district, including the; Fowler’s Toad, American Toad, Gray Treefrog, Spring Peeper, Bullfrog, Green Frog, Mink Frog, Wood Frog, Northern Leopard Frog, Pickerel Frog and the Chorus Frog. Of these the Fowler’s Toad is endangered, preferring to live in beaver ponds, marshes, pine barrens, deciduous forests and even some suburban areas. The Chorus Frog is also classified as endangered and prefers to live in wet meadows and abandoned fields.
Management Considerations
Reptiles and amphibians are an important part of the ecosystem and management considerations should be taken into account when conducting a project or activity in areas that would impact populations. Some management considerations that might be considered depending on circumstances include:
Maintaining a vegetated buffer of at least 200 feet around wetlands with sensitive/rare/threatened or endangered species.
Protect wetlands, vernal pools, small streams, and spring seeps.
Maintain habitat connections utilizing native species. Fields, roads, and development cause barriers between breeding sites and upland habitat.
Roadways should be more than 1000 feet from wetlands or constructed with herp passageways under the road.
Maintain natural water levels, natural seasonal flooding is important for breeding and overwintering.
Limit chemical/ sediment runoff from roads and agricultural practices by utilizing Best Management Practices. The health and diversity of organisms declines with increasing chlorides, conductivity, magnesium, acidity, and turbidity.
Prevent invasive species introduction, which can outcompete native populations, bring diseases and predate on young.
Maintain buffers along streams.
Maintain the water quality.
Install and maintain shrubby fencerows, drainage areas and cover on outlying portions of fields.
Practice no till farming.
Minimize habitat fragmentation and build on habitat connectivity.
The WNRCD partners with organizations, municipalities and agencies to restore and improve aquatic organism habitat and passage. Fore more information on projects or to see how you can partner with us, please visit our website at: www.winooskinrcd.org
For more information on reptiles and amphibians of Vermont and the Winooski NRCD please visit:
Vermont Reptile & Amphibian Atlas
