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