Reptiles & Amphibians of the NJ Pinelands

The pine barrens of southern New Jersey encompass 1.1 million acres and account for 22% of the state's total land area. It is a huge place, with large sections of coastal plain forest that make up the Pinelands National Reserve. This massive area stretches across Atlantic, Burtlington, Camden, Cape May, Gloucester, Cumberland, and Ocean counties in the southern part of the state. Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida) is the dominant tree species here, with a thick understory of Scrub Oak (Quercus ilicifolia) present in most areas as well. The pinelands are a diverse area in terms of habitat, wildlife, and herpetofauna. Several rare & endangered reptile & amphibian species exist here, including the Pine Barrens Treefrog, Timber Rattlesnake, Corn Snake, and Northern Pine Snake.

There are many lakes, rivers, streams, and acidic bogs scattered throughout the pinelands. These wet habitats create unique conditions for many rare & endangered species. Carnivorous plants such as sundews, bladderwort, and pitcher plants can be found in these area. One rare species prefers these areas for breeding purposes, the Pine Barrens Treefrog.

Pine Barrens Treefrog - Hyla andersonii

A small but beautiful treefrog species, the Pine Barrens Treefrog is only found in the pine barrens of New Jersey, North Carolina, and the pandhandle of Florida. Choruses of males can be heard near bogs from May through July, but it is rarely seen outside of the breeding season. Their call is not as impressive as the colors of the frog itself, but the loud kwonk-kwonk-kwonk is endearing. This species has suffered declines throughout its range due to habitat loss, especially in New Jersey. It is listed as a Threatened species by the NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife. Many other herps in this region have declined as well, but for additional reasons than habitat loss, like this beautiful snake.

Coastal Plain Milk Snake - Lampropeltis triangulum temporalis

Though recent data suggests against the validity of this subspecies, the Coastal Plain Milk Snake is one of the characteristic snake species that is endemic to the pine barrens. It is unclear to exact identity of these snakes, but it is clear that they share genetic and phenotypic traits from both the Scarlet Kingsnake (Lampropeltis t. elapsoides) and the Eastern Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum).  There are several hypotheses to the origin of the coastal, one suggests that it is a relict population of Red Milk Snake (Lampropeltis t. syspila). Another suggests that the ranges of the Eastern Milk Snake & Scarlet Kingsnake once overlapped thousands of years ago, and what remains is the result of that overlap. Regardless of their origin, the costal is an extremely attractive snake that needs to be conserved. Because of its colorful appearance, coastals are in high demand in the pet trade and many are collected when found. This species is a key component of pine barrens ecosystems and needs to be left where it belongs, much like the next snake species.

Northern Pine Snake - Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus

This is the king of the New Jersey pinelands, the Northern Pine Snake. A large, powerful constrictor that spends much of its time underground or under cover. It is the largest species of snake which occurs in New Jersey, attaining lengths over 6 feet. Like other members of the genus Pituophis, the Northern Pine Snake has a characteristic enlarged rostral scale which allows it to burrow in the sandy soils of the pine barrens. In the early summer, adult females excavate their own burrows and lay a clutch of eggs which hatch in August and September. Northern Pine Snakes feed on a variety of prey species which include rodents, other snakes, and occasionally birds.

Northern Pine Snake - Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus

Unfortunately, this beautiful species has suffered significant declines and is listed as a Threatened species in New Jersey. Habitat loss and alteration is the leading cause to the decline of the Pine Snake in the state. These snakes return to the same den sites every year for overwintering and for nesting in the summer. When these areas are wiped out due to development, it can cause catastrophic effects to a local population. The development of pine snake habitat also means the creation of new roads, these fragment habitat and force these snakes to cross from one patch of habitat to another, often with fatal results.

Besides road mortality and habitat loss, another reason that contributes to decline of pine snake population is us. Humans. With less and less habitat available, interactions between people and pine snakes are become increasingly common. Because of their large size, striking appearance, and overall rarity in the New Jersey pinelands, the Pine Snake is a popular species for illegal collection. Too often, these magnificent snakes are taken from the wild and sold off to the highest bidder. But a lot of people don't share this opinion, many pine snakes are killed out of the ignorant belief that they are venomous or are mistaken for a rattlesnake. Their tendency to vibrate their tail, hold their ground, and hiss loudly often warrants them a cruel death from an ignorant visitor to the pine barrens. But it's not all bad news for the Northern Pine Snake, active research and conservation efforts are ongoing in the pinelands to ensure that this impressive snake will be around for the future. Another snake species that is in a dire situation in the pines and throughout New Jersey is this impressive serpent..

Timber Rattlesnake - Crotalus horridus

Listed as an Endangered species in New Jersey, the Timber Rattlesnake has probably received more persecution from humans than any other snake species in the state. Their are two distinct populations of Timber Rattlesnake in New Jersey; the montane population & the pinelands population. In both places, Timbers have declined steadily due to habitat loss, destruction of den sites, road mortality, illegal collection, and persecution by humans. In the pine barrens, Timber Rattlesnakes overwinter in root systems of lowland cedar swamps and disperse into the forest throughout the course of the year. Gravid females search out sandy ridges in the pines where they can bask and gestate their young, like the large female below.

The Timbers of the pine barrens are something special. Larger populations exist to the north in the mountains, and farther south in Virginia and the coastal plain of the southeast. But the pinelands of southern New Jersey present more than a million acres of coastal plain forest which makes the habitat this population inhabits much different than habitat for other populations in the northeast.  The pine barrens population is extremely isolated, vulnerable, and seldom seen by people. One of the most common snakes in the pinelands that is seldom seen in the pinelands is this performer.

Eastern Hognose Snake - Heterodon platirhinos

The Eastern Hognose Snake is a secretive species which is quite common throughout the pine barrens, but rarely seen. This is because its spends much of its time burrowing underground in search of its favorite food source, toads. This species gets its name from the upturned rostral scale on the front of the head which helps it dig in loose, sandy soils that are found throughout the pine barrens. When first encountered, the Hognose will flatten its neck like a cobra and hiss, as the individual pictured above is displaying. If harassed further it will writhe about and then play dead, a very convincing display.

The Eastern Hognose snake is likely one of the most common species of snake that occurs in the pine barrens, likely due to the abundance of suitable habitat and prey availiability.

Fowler's Toad - Bufo fowleri

The Fowler's Toad is one of the most common species of herps found in the pines. Back in Michigan, this species is uncommon and only found on the west side of the state in areas where sandy soil abounds, this is no different than in New Jersey where this species is basically only found in the pinelands.

Eastern Fence Lizard - Sceloporus undulatus

The Eastern Fence Lizard or "fence swift" is likely the most abundant species of reptile found in the pinelands of southern New Jersey. They can be found in open areas along logs, old foundations, railways, and basically any habitat found in the barrens. They are alert, agile lizards that usually make a hasty escape upon an encounter. This species is often preyed upon by the Eastern Kingsnake, a species I was not fortunate enough to find during my summer in New Jersey. The pine barrens gave me some memorable experiences that I won't soon forget, I look forward to returning there in the future in hopes of seeing some of these species again. Until next time, happy herping!

Around the House

I'm midway through my summer job with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and I thought it would be appropriate to throw a quick catch up post together. Outside of my work schedule, I've made an effort to explore the area and see what it has to offer. The surrounding area in this part of New Jersey can be characterized as foothills, with the mountains being an hour to the north. It's a beautiful place to be sure, as was this evening scene in front my my living quarters for the summer.

One of the most astounding things about the area is the turtle diversity. With the exception of the two rare species I'm working with, turtles are extremely abundant in basically every habitat. We see turtles in fields, ponds, streams, and on roads. Here's a look at some of the most frequently encountered species I've seen within five miles of the house.

Spotted Turtle - Clemmys guttata

Musk Turtle - Sternotherus odoratus

Eastern Box Turtles - Terrapene carolina

Spotted Turtles & Eastern Box Turtles are both listed by the NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife as species of special concern, but both seem to be faring well in the state. Though turtles seem to be fairly common in the area, snakes have been way less abundant. There are a few species that are fairly common, including our resident Northern Black Racer that we see frequently around the house.

Northern Black Racer - Coluber constrictor constrictor

Northern Water Snake - Nerodia sipedon

Eastern Garter Snake - Thamnophis sirtalis

Eastern Milk Snake - Lampropeltis triangulum

It's been a busy summer so far. And I'm in the process of writing blogs on the herpetofauna on the Mountains of northern New Jersey and the Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey. Stay tuned for those, that's all for now. Until next time, happy herping!

Muhlenberg's Turtle

One of the rarest reptile & amphibian species in North America, the Bog Turtle receives both state & federal protection throughout its range. This summer, I've had the opportunity to work for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service on several conservation projects with rare & endangered turtle species including this species. Bog Turtles are small, secretive turtles that easily rival and surpass Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes in terms of how cryptic & difficult to find they are.

Bog Turtle - Glyptemys muhlenbergii

Their small size and bright orange markings on the neck make this turtle a highly coveted animal in the black market. In fact, illegal collection is one of the greatest threats that the Bog Turtle faces in the future. Many collectors will pay top dollar for a wild caught individual, sometimes exceeding a thousand dollars or more. In addition to illegal collection, Bog Turtles face threats from the development and draining of the wetland habitats they inhabit. In fact, more than 80% of the populations that were known to have existed fifty years ago have been lost due to development. This warranted the Bog Turtle to be placed on the Endangered Species list as a Threatened species, where it receives full protection by the USFWS.

Bog Turtle - Glyptemys muhlenbergii

It's not all bad news for the Bog Turtle though. Extant populations seem to be doing just fine and as long as their habitats are managed properly, they've got a fighting chance. Here in New Jersey, there are scattered populations throughout the state that are managed and protected by the USFWS and the New Jersey Department of Fish & Wildlife. Most of my work here involves radio telemetry with a population of Bog Turtles, as well as habitat restoration at both extant and historic populations to ensure suitable habitat remains for the species. It seems to be working, as several little gems like the animal below have been found.

Cute is a suitable scientific term to describe a hatchling Bog Turtle, they are incredibly tiny. Females lay their clutch of eggs in early summer in sedge tussocks or in hummocks of sphagnum moss. The hatchlings emerge in August or September and must quickly try to find a hibernation site. Bog Turtle nests probably face a lesser threat of predation than that of Wood Turtles of other turtle species because of the nature of their habitat. It's been great to have the opportunity to work with such an awesome species of turtle for the summer, I can only hope the remainder of the summer will be as enjoyable as the first half. That's all for now. Until next time, happy herping!

Pine Barrens Treefrogs

Since being in New Jersey, actual free time has been limited to the weekends. A few weekends back, I had the opportunity to travel south in New Jersey to the pines to search for ones of my targets for the summer, the Pine Barrens Treefrog. This species is arguably the most attractive treefrog found in North American, inhabiting acidic bogs & marshes in the pinelands of New Jersey, Florida, and the Carolinas. During the breeding season, males can be heard calling in large concentrations but this species is rarely seen outside of breeding time.

 Pine Barrens Treefrog - Hyla andersonii

After heading down the coast for Diamondback Terrapins, we headed back north through the pine barrens and stopped at an area I was directed to by a friend. There are many acidic marshes & bogs throughout the pine barrens which serve as breeding sites for pine barrens treefrogs. We arrived at dusk and wandered out to the edges of the bog hoping to hear the sounds of males calling. It was quiet, so I followed the directions of my friend to honk like a goose to entice the males to call. I did my best and before long we were surrounded by a chorus of kwonk-kwonk-kwonk. We dispersed and followed the calls of males to try and get on in hand for photos. It took me twenty minutes or so, but eventually I found my first calling from a small Atlantic White Cedar.

Pine Barrens Treefrogs - Hyla andersonii

I was expected PBTs to be around the size of a Gray Treefrog but was surprised by how small they were. Their small size coupled with the thick habitat made locating calling males difficult, but we managed to get three of them in hand. This species is easily the most attractive treefrog species I've seen in North America. It was a fun night that I won't soon forget, that's all for now. Until then, happy herping.

Hog Wild

Of all the unlisted species of snake that inhabit Michigan, there is one that has been my nemesis for many years. It is a snake that is supposed to be found statewide where sandy soil and toads are found. The species I'm referring to is the Eastern Hognose Snake, a robust Colubrid that puts on quite a show when encountered. Though it is said to be found statewide, it is mostly likely isolated to spotty locations in the thumb & southeast Michigan, and is more widespread on the western side of the state. I saw one up near Sleeping Bear Dunes when I was a kid, but since that time I have been unable to track down a live on here in the Wolverine state, but I did get lucky and find this one in Illinois last fall.

Eastern Hognose Snake - Heterodon platirhinos

Recently I was told about a pocket of habitat on private property in southeast Michigan where a family sees hogs frequently. I was perplexed, as the area is less than ten miles from my house and has literally been under my nose all this time. They agreed to let me visit the property several times if I would agree to take their kids out once or twice to see some stuff. On a warm, muggy morning I decided to swing by their place and check it out for the second time. My first visit yielded Wood Frogs and a quick glimpse of a Blue Racer.

The majority of the property and surrounding areas is similar to the photo above, basically relict oak savannah that has been developed. The soil here is extremely sandy, with scattered grasses and shrubs, and a small creek and wetland nearby. After walking for about fifteen minutes, a splash of color caught my eye.

The splash of color was accompanied by a short, high-pitched hiss that brought my eyes to this awesome snake. It immediately flattened its neck out like a cobra and continued to hiss in textbook form, its easy to see why some rural folk refer to these snakes as puff adders.

Eastern Hognose Snake - Heterodon platirhinos

The Eastern Hognose Snake gets its name from the upturned rostral scale on the end of the snout which is uses to help burrow into loose, sandy soil. Hognose snakes are also known for their incredible defensive strategy, if the animal is touched it will flip on its back, writhe about, open its mouth and play dead. This snake was kind enough to put on a show for me as well.

I was elated to finally find one of these snakes in Michigan after such a long hiatus. And it was a great way to close my spring here in Michigan in the final weeks before I move to New Jersey for the summer. That's all for now. Until next time, happy herping!