Alaska Herpetological Society

       

The Alaska Herpetological Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the field of Herpetology in the State of Alaska. Our mission is to promote sound research and management of amphibians and reptiles in the North, to foster responsible pet ownership and to provide opportunities in outreach, education, and citizen science for individuals who are interested in these species.

While many people do not realize that herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles) occur this far north, Alaska is home to at least eight species:

• The Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvaticus)
• The Columbia Spotted Frog (Rana luteiventris)
• The Boreal Toad (Anaxyrus boreas)
• The Pacific Chorus Frog (Pseudacris regilla)  *Introduced
• The Red-legged Frog (Rana aurora)  *Introduced
• The Northwestern Salamander (Ambystoma gracile)
• The Long-toed Salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum)
• The Rough-skinned Newt (Taricha granulosa)

                                                                          
In addition, four marine turtles (reptiles) have been recorded in non-breeding populations in Alaska waters (usually in el nino years):

• The Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
• The Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
• The Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)
• The Olive-Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)

Furthermore, several enigmatic species have been identified as either occurring in Alaska (as documented by anecdotal evidence) or by occurring close enough to the state's borders to warrant future investigation of their presence:

• The Alaska Worm Salamander (Batrachoseps caudatus)
• The Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
• The Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei)

The study of these species in Alaska is in its infancy and baseline data on diversity, distribution and abundance remains fragmented. Our organization aims to enhance the knowledge of the state's amphibians and reptiles in order to promote the best possible management practices.

For more information on the herps of Alaska consult the "Amphibians and Reptiles of Alaska: A Field Handbook"

Frog: Thin Green Line

-DELICATE AND DIVERSE-

Watch Frogs: The Thin Green Line on PBS. See more from Nature.