Most Wanted and Rarest Species: Always Report

(send a photo if possible)

This table shows only the more unusual reptile and amphibian species in Vermont. These are our priority species. The table includes only those species that are ranked from S1 to S3 in our Vermont Heritage System. The scale runs from 1 (very rare) to 5 (very common) and the number signifies its rarity in Vermont (as opposed to the world). The Statuses are Endangered, Threatened, and of Special Concern.The more we know about where these species are, the better we can conserve them so we hope you will always report them.

Of course, we are happy to receive any report on any reptile or amphibian (especially where we have data gaps in documentation), but this list below shows the rarest species. Any species not listed on the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Species List at all is one we would definitely like to receive a report about.

Common Name Scientific Name State Rank* State Status* SGCN Ranking*
Jefferson Salamander Ambystoma jeffersonianum S 2 SC High
Blue-spotted Salamander Ambystoma laterale S 3 SC Medium
Four-toed Salamander Hemidactylium scutatum S 2 SC Medium
Mudpuppy Necturus maculosus S 2 SC High
Fowler’s Toad Anaxyrus fowleri S 1 E High
Mink Frog Lithobates septentrionalis S 3 SC
Boreal Chorus Frog Pseudacris maculata S 1 E High
Spiny Softshell Apalone spinifera S 1 T High
Spotted Turtle Clemmys guttata S 1 E High
Wood Turtle Glyptemys insculpta S 3 SC High
Northern Map Turtle Graptemys geographica S 3
Eastern Musk Turtle Sternotherus odoratus S 2 SC Medium
Common Five-lined Skink Plestiodon fasciatus S 1 E High
North American Racer Coluber constrictor S 1 T
Timber Rattlesnake Crotalus horridus S 1 E High
Common Watersnake Nerodia sipedon S 3 Medium
Smooth Greensnake Opheodrys vernalis S 3 SC Medium
Eastern Ratsnake Pantherophis alleghaniensis S 2 T High
Eastern Ribbonsnake Thamnophis saurita S 2 SC High


Submit an Observation

    Items with * are required. A copy of your report will be sent to you also.

    Note for iNaturalist users: Please also submit your reports to us. Don't worry about duplicating reports, as we only pull select reports from iNaturalist. In addition, we can more easily get the important information we need when you submit directly to us, and you will receive a personal e-mailed response to your submission with answers to any ID, natural history, or conservation questions.

    WHAT SPECIES






    WHERE and WHEN










    OBSERVED BY




      Check this box to give permission to the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas to use attached photos on this website and for other non-profit, educational uses. License/permission details :


    ( **Please be patient while it sends your report, it sometimes takes a minute if there are photos. Thanks.)