Amphibians & Reptiles

Salamanders & Turtles

60% of all turtles are endangered. 3 of the 5 species in Andover are endangered and if you see any turtle other than easily identifiable Snapping Turtles, you should report them to the Andover Conservation Commission or mass.gov

DO NOT TAKE ANY TURTLES AS PETS

Blue Spotted Salamander

Latin name: Ambystoma laterale

Status: Special Concern

Habitat Needs: Forests, sandy soil and moist wetlands

Why is this species threatened with extinction? Loss of wetlands and destruction of forests in which they live.

Why is this species so important to save? They eat mosquitoes, slugs and other pests. The tadpoles are especially helpful by eating mosquito larvae and other harmful insects. They are also an indicator species of vernal pools: a habitat that is diminishing due to climate change, just as these amphibians are.

Most Recent Observation: 2012

Picture Credits:

https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/wildlife/profiles/blue-spotted-salamander.html

Wood Turtle

Latin name: Glyptemys insculpta

Status: Special Concern

Habitat Needs: Rivers, streams wetlands and bogs

Why is this species threatened with extinction? Habitat loss and slow to reproduce. People bringing them in as pets

Why is this species so important to save? They stabilize the environment by eating insects, fruits, worms and slugs

Most Recent Observation: 2016

Picture Credits:

https://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/turtles/wood-turtle/wood_turtle.php

Eastern Box Turtle

Latin name: Terrapene carolina

Status: Special Concern

Habitat Needs: Dry and moist woodlands, brushy fields, thickets, marsh edges and bogs

Why is this species threatened with extinction? Habitat Destruction and Road Mortality. People bringing them in as pets

Why is this species so important to save? They spread seeds and uncover fertile soil

Most Recent Observation: 2019

Picture Credits:

https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/field-guide/entry/eastern_box_turtle1

Blanding's Turtle

Latin name: Emydoidea blandingii

Status: Threatened

Habitat Needs: Shallow wetlands with plenty of aquatic vegetation, with some grasslands

Why is this species threatened with extinction? Habitat destruction, Pet trade going out of control- They are a very popular species for commercial trade, and they often nest near roads

Why is this species so important to save? They keep the wetlands healthy by eating insects, snails, seeds

Most Recent Observation: 2004

Picture Credits:

https://www.loe.org/shows/segments.html?programID=17-P13-00052&segmentID=1

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