Florida is a popular destination for herping, offering the chance to see many unique amphibians and reptiles that are important to its ecosystems. Unfortunately, some of these species are in trouble due to habitat loss, climate change, invasive species, and human activities. These challenges make it harder for them to survive, especially since many have specific habitat needs or reproduce very slowly. This blog will explore some of Florida’s threatened and endangered species, the dangers they face, and why protecting them is crucial for herpers and the environment alike.

Amphibians Threatened

Florida Bog Frog is in Northwest Florida specifically in the Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties. The greatest danger it faces is the disruption of its natural habitat caused by human activities.

Pine Barrens Treefrog is typically found in shallow waters, bushes, or acidic bogs in Florida’s Panhandle area. Several factors threaten their survival. Climate change is a primary concern, as it leads to more severe storms and rising sea levels. Invasive species, such as the Chinese tallow tree, further degrade bog habitats by outcompeting native vegetation. Additionally, bullfrogs pose a threat as both predators and competitors to the Pine Barrens treefrog.

Gopher Frog can be found throughout Florida specifically in upland areas, including longleaf pine, xeric oak, and sandhill ecosystems. They are also found in upland pine forests, scrub, xeric hammocks, mesic and scrubby flatwoods, dry prairies, and mixed hardwood-pine communities. The greatest threat to Gopher frogs is habitat loss, as sandhill habitats essential for their breeding are increasingly being destroyed by residential and commercial development.

Reptiles Endangered & Threatened

Atlantic salt marsh snakes inhabit swamps and salt marshes located in two of Florida’s counties, Brevard and Volusia. Their habitats face significant threats, including development and land filling, rising sea levels, and pollution from pesticides and oil spills.

Eastern indigo snakes live in several parts of Florida, mainly in the Peninsular area. They use different habitats like pine flatwoods, forests, and sandhills, and often take shelter in gopher tortoise burrows. Their biggest threats are habitat loss from urban development and agriculture. They also face dangers from being hit by cars and being illegally collected.

The Suwannee alligator snapping turtle is found in the Suwannee River in northern Florida. They inhabit freshwater environments such as rivers, backwater swamps, and oxbow lakes. Although illegal harvesting is now prohibited in Florida, this practice remains the turtle’s greatest threat. Recovery has been slow due to their long generation times and low reproductive rates. Additionally, their habitat is under threat from groundwater withdrawal, which reduces the flow of the Suwannee River and impacts their ecosystem.

Protecting Florida’s unique amphibians and reptiles is vital to preserving the state’s incredible biodiversity and maintaining healthy, balanced ecosystems. Participating in guided herping tours is a great way to safely observe these fascinating species while gaining a deeper understanding of their importance, behaviors, and the threats they face. By combining education, awareness, and action, we can help ensure these remarkable creatures thrive in their natural habitats for generations to come.