Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy

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Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy

ARC identifies and conserves the highest priority places for amphibians and reptiles in the US.
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https://arcprotects.org/
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ARC is the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on identifying and conserving the highest priority places for amphibians and reptiles in the United States. We protect endangered amphibians and reptiles through a strategic, scientific, and passionate approach that allows us to make a real difference.

08/21/2026

The face says “harmless.” The outfit says “please reconsider.”

Long-nosed snakes are named for their pronounced, pointy snout. Their lower jaw is inset, resulting in a slight overbite, and they have smooth, unkeeled scales.

While these exaggerated features are very cute, they also serve a purpose. Long-nosed snakes are well suited for a life underground.

The enlarged rostral scale on their noses helps them burrow into soil, and the overbite protects them from ingesting substrate as they maneuver.

And as their cute faces seem to suggest, long-nosed snakes are harmless, but their coloration attempts to tell a different story. These snakes are tri-colored, with alternating bands of red, black, and white scales. To potential predators, this coloration resembles that of a venomous coral snake.

This species inhabits deserts, grasslands, and sandhills throughout the Southwestern US and Mexico. They primarily hunt lizards but will occasionally eat insects, reptile eggs, and small mammals. As a nocturnal species, they typically avoid the harsh heat of day by foraging at night.

The coral snake resemblance is just the beginning. When long-nosed snakes are threatened, they writhe around and hide their heads within their coils as a distraction. They are also known to quickly vibrate their tails, mimicking a rattlesnake.

If none of this has the desired effect, the long-nosed snake has one final bluff. While many snake species can produce a foul-smelling musk to deter potential predators, long-nosed snakes take the drama to the next level by exuding blood from their nose and cloaca. Probably best to skip that meal.

We’re dedicated to protecting all reptiles and amphibians in the US, especially the cute little imposters! To learn more about our work, head to ARCProtects.org/work.

Photos:
1 & 5. William Mason, CC-BY-NC
2 & 3. Grigory Heaton, CC-BY-NC
4. Robby Deans, CC-BY-NC

08/20/2026

Bro forgot to turn off his location 👀

This Black Warrior waterdog is trying to stay hidden, but it forgot that its location is on. Ok, it’s not exactly like that, but we have special technology to find out where this species is located.

Black Warrior waterdogs are only found in four counties in Alabama, and although they can grow to be 9 inches long, they’re difficult to find.

They are fully aquatic amphibians that spend their entire lives underwater in streams with clay or bedrock bottoms. They have frilly gills for breathing, a long, slender body for gliding through riffles, and dark, spotted coloration for blending in with rocks and leaves.

Despite their covert nature, researchers know that Black Warrior waterdogs are at risk. This Endangered species has an extremely limited range and specific habitat requirements. Their biggest threats include sedimentation from development, water quality degradation, and habitat loss. Before we can protect their home streams, we need to know which streams are occupied.

So how do we find a species that prefers to stay hidden? One emerging method is the use of eDNA, or environmental DNA.

eDNA is genetic material found within an organism’s environment. For example, when a Black Warrior waterdog sheds some skin cells into its waterway, those cells can be detected through eDNA testing, sensitive to even these tiny trace amounts.

Testing for eDNA can help scientists determine the presence of even the most secretive species. As an added benefit, this process can also limit disturbance for more sensitive animals. With this technology, Black Warrior waterdogs may no longer keep all their secrets, and researchers will be better equipped to protect their habitat in the long term.

You don’t have to share your location to learn more. Just sign up for our e-newsletter, The ARC’ives, at tinyurl.com/subscribeARC.

Photos:
1. Kevin Hutcheson
2. Jim Godwin / USFWS
3 & 4. Todd Pierson

08/19/2026

“Don’t call it a comeback, I been here for years!” If the dusky gopher frog had a walk-up song, it would be LL Cool J’s classic hype anthem.

Dusky gopher frogs are one of the rarest amphibians in the country. Although they’re federally listed as Endangered, they’re also at the center of one of the most encouraging recovery efforts in conservation.

These small speckled frogs spend most of their lives underground in upland pine savannas. As their name suggests, they often share burrows with gopher tortoises. They also use stump holes and abandoned tunnels left by small mammals.

To breed, dusky gopher frogs move to seasonal pools called ephemeral ponds.

Unfortunately, most of the dusky gopher frogs’ historic ponds were filled in for development or became too overgrown for the frogs to breed successfully.

Dusky gopher frogs once ranged from Louisiana to Alabama. Now, they’re restricted exclusively to southern Mississippi. At one point, only one known breeding pond remained active.

Conservation partners developed a captive breeding program to help ensure the species’ survival. Staff at the Memphis Zoo also worked with researchers to safely raise dusky gopher frog tadpoles to their metamorph stage before releasing them, a process known as headstarting.

Each metamorph receives a tiny implant in its leg so the researchers can study the population through time. These efforts have been coupled with breeding pond restoration in order to increase the likelihood that dusky gopher frogs will persist.

Today, there are an estimated 15 viable breeding ponds.

The frog in the first photo is a wild metamorph that comes from the very pond that at one point held all the hope for its species.

Don’t call it a comeback… because this comeback is still underway. We’re supporting ongoing headstarting and reintroduction efforts to increase the odds for this frog. To learn more about our priority species, head to ARCProtects.org/species.

Photos:
1. Brittney Brown
2. Brittany M., CC-BY-NC
3. Lauren McLaurin, CC-BY
4. Evan Grimes, CC-BY

08/18/2026

Looks like a lizard. Has the confidence of a 12-foot alligator.

Although southern alligator lizards were named for their relative likeness to alligators, it might be more appropriate to recognize them for their defensive tenacity.

When threatened, these lizards utilize a variety of fascinating tactics, including biting their opponent or defecating on them. In one instance, a southern alligator lizard was documented biting its own tail, preventing it from being swallowed.

Southern alligator lizards can also detach their own tail as a last resort. The tail will wiggle around for a short time, distracting the predator and allowing the lizard to escape.

Eventually, the lizard will begin to grow a new tail. If an adult does not drop its tail during its lifetime, the tail can grow to be twice as long as the lizard’s body.

Their scientific name is Elgaria multicarinata. “Multicarinata” means “many-keeled,” which describes the armored appearance of their scales and contributes to their likeness to alligators.

Southern alligator lizards live on the west coast of North America, ranging from southern Washington into the Baja Peninsula of Mexico. They live in a wide variety of habitats, from chaparral to rocky grasslands and woodlands.

They are often found near creeks, basking or swimming. While basking, southern alligator lizards tuck their legs along the length of their body, lending them the appearance of a snake. This is thought to be a defensive tactic, as many predators are naturally cautious of snakes.

Whether we’re talking about alligators or lizards, every reptile plays a role in its ecosystem. To stay up-to-date on our work, subscribe to The ARC’ives e-newsletter: tinyurl.com/subscribeARC.

Photos:
1. André Giraldi, CC-BY-NC
2. Ryanwebb, CC-BY-NC
3. Liam Hopkins, CC-BY-NC
4. Keith Brady, CC-BY-NC

08/17/2026

No, we don’t recommend soaking this salamander in WD-40.

Rusty mud salamanders are a lovely deep red-orange in color reminiscent of rust, and yes, they thrive in mud. Scientists think their color is a form of mimicry, in which they appear similar to the red eft stage of a newt, which is toxic to most predators. In fact, mud salamanders belong to the group Pseudotriton, which translates to “false newt.”

Rusty mud salamanders are even slightly toxic themselves, but not as much so as red efts. Pseudotriton salamanders produce a toxin named for their genus, “pseudotritontoxin”, or “PTTX” for short.

Even still, rusty mud salamanders face predation from gartersnakes and watersnakes. When threatened, mud salamanders coil into a defensive posture with their tail and hind legs over their heads. This exposes the glands that release PTTX, and could help prevent them from becoming dinner.

The rusty mud salamander has a limited range in southern Georgia and northern Florida. Within that range, they’re difficult to find.

Like all mud salamanders, the rusty mud salamander spends the majority of its adult life in a subterranean world. As its name suggests, it inhabits muddy and silty habitats near slow moving or standing water.

Larger individuals build burrows close to the water with tunnels that tend to open into the water itself. Smaller individuals are less likely to build their own burrow, opting for vacant burrows or the relative protection of cover near water.

When approached, rusty mud salamanders will quickly retreat to the safety of their underground burrows.

Due to their secretive nature and small range, scientists still don’t know much about their diet. It’s assumed that they feed on invertebrates, and maybe even other smaller salamanders.

Rusty mud salamanders may be tough to find, but our website is not! To learn more about what motivates us to protect reptiles and amphibians, head to ARCprotects.org.

Photos:
1 & 2. Max Ramey, CC-BY-NC
3. Nicholas Lynch, CC-BY-NC
4. Michael Rice, CC-BY-NC

08/16/2026

Hear us out: a salamander should be Coeur d'Alene, Idaho's mascot.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho is known for beautiful vistas, watersports, and a resort town vibe, but it’s also this species’ namesake. What better representative than one who shares your name?

Coeur d’Alene salamanders also have visual appeal. This species is typically dark grey along its sides, with a lovely stripe of yellow or orange along its back. They’re slender and small, only reaching a maximum of three inches in length. With large eyes and small, stubby toes, we’d venture so far as to call them cute.

Coeur d’Alene salamanders are relatable. When temperatures are high, this species retreats underground and aestivates, a type of summertime rest. When temperatures are too low, they find a safe place to hibernate. This sounds pretty relatable to us.

The Coeur d’Alene salamander could also represent regional pride. Coeur d’Alene salamanders belong to the Plethodon group. They are the only members of their group found in the northern Rocky Mountains. This unique distinction makes them perfect to represent the allure of Coeur d’Alene.

The area surrounding Coeur d’Alene is famous for its watersports and outdoor recreation opportunities. The Coeur d’Alene salamander is closely associated with water sources such as seepages, waterfalls, and streams. Are you picking up what we’re putting down?

Most importantly, the Coeur d’Alene salamander could benefit from positive exposure. While they can be locally abundant, most populations tend to be small and clustered far apart. This leaves them at risk from impacts due to drought and development. In both Idaho and Montana, this species is listed for special concern. We’d love to see the Coeur d’Alene salamander become a local mascot and receive the recognition it deserves.

At ARC, we believe all reptiles and amphibians deserve recognition. To learn more about what motivates us, check out ARCProtects.org/about.

Photos:
1. Nathanael Herrera, CC-BY-NC
2 & 4. raddice, CC-BY-NC
3. dendromantaray, CC-BY-NC

08/15/2026

🎤 It’s a quarter after one, he’s all alone, and there’s a heavy winter rain…

Southern leopard frogs aren’t subtle when they’re looking for a mate. During heavy rains, males gather in large numbers around almost any slow moving freshwater wetland. Almost any swamp, pond, or roadside ditch will do. They’ll even venture into brackish (a mix of fresh and salt) water if it’s the nearest available water source.

They call out with a squeaky guttural croak that almost sounds like a chuckle in hopes of attracting a female. Their most active breeding season is typically late winter into early spring, but depending on region and weather conditions, they can also breed in the summer and fall.

Thousands of eggs are laid in large masses that are loosely attached to submerged vegetation. Eggs typically hatch after just one to two weeks and the tadpoles usually develop into froglets in about three months.

Their breeding call is memorable, but these frogs aren’t just a one-hit wonder. When they’re startled, sometimes they’ll issue a particularly alarming shrill cry. Then they can use their powerful, high jumps to evade predators, like birds, mammals, and snakes.

Southern leopard frogs can lose moisture quickly, so they usually don’t stray too far from water. In especially hot or dry conditions, they’ll find a nearby burrow of a crayfish or mammal and hunker down. This is likely also why they’re typically nocturnal, or active at night.

Unlike this frog, we won’t call you at 1 a.m. We’ll just send you a newsletter with more exciting amphibian and reptile news. Subscribe to our e-newsletter, The ARC’ives, to have conservation news delivered right to your inbox: tinyurl.com/subscribeARC.

Photos:
1. Southern leopard frog, Steven C. Adams, CC-BY-NC
2. Southern leopard frog, Thomas Shahan, CC-BY-NC

08/14/2026

🖍️ Crayola’s newest 64-pack is inspired by… lizards!

Just kidding, but they may want to take some inspiration from these vibrant species.

It’s World Lizard Day! North America is home to 118 native species of lizard. A particular lizard hotspot is the Desert Southwest, with an estimated 96 species of lizard inhabiting this area, including northern Mexico.

Lizards come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some are stout and spiky, like regal horned lizards, and others are smooth and shiny, like eastern glass lizards. They also have a diverse palette of colors. Most blend in with brown, black, and gray patterns to avoid being detected by predators. But some lizards look better dressed for a rave than blending into a forest.

But why would a lizard want to stand out?

For some, like eastern collared lizards, their bright blue and yellow colors can help attract a mate during breeding season. For others, like green anoles, displaying a bright pink dewlap (throat fan) can help them defend their territory. Then others, like Coronado skinks, can drop their bright blue tails as a decoy to distract a predator while they escape.

Whether they’re camouflaging or making their presence known, lizards are important members of ecosystems all across the country. They are both predator and prey, regulating arthropod and small mammal populations and being a food source for other animals like snakes and birds. Because of this, they also assist with nutrient cycling and movement through the environment.

Join us in celebrating lizards today and every day when you subscribe to our e-newsletter, The ARC’ives: tinyurl.com/subscribeARC.

Photos:
1. Great Basin fence lizard, uzun, CC-BY-NC
2. Eastern collared lizard, Alyssa Connaughton, CC-BY-NC
3. Green anole, Mark Shields, CC-BY-NC
4. Broad-headed skink, Thomas Shahan, CC-BY-NC
5. Coronado skink, BJ Stacey, CC-BY-NC
6. Ornate tree lizard, Dan Jones, CC-BY-NC
7. Long-nosed leopard lizard, Magnus Persmark, CC-BY-NC

08/13/2026

The chances that a western lesser siren will lure you to destruction with its song are low, but not zero.

Sirens are named for magical creatures like those in The Odyssey, and they do have some strong similarities with their mythical counterparts.

Western lesser sirens are fully aquatic throughout their life cycle. They have delicate, frilly gills for breathing, and their eel-like build helps them glide through the water. They do not have hind limbs, and their front limbs are quite small compared to the length of their bodies.

Unlike their mythical namesake, western lesser sirens are found in freshwater wetlands, preferring still or slow moving water with ample vegetation and leaf litter for cover. With color ranging from light grey to dark brown, these fascinating amphibians are perfectly camouflaged for a life of secrecy.

Sirens are carnivorous and nocturnal, meaning they hunt for their prey at night. Under cover of darkness, they forage through organic matter and leaf litter for snails, crayfish, and insects. Sirens have reduced eyes and tend to inhabit “blackwater” environments, so scientists believe that they use chemical cues to identify and locate their prey.

If water becomes scarce, sirens will burrow deep into the mud and secrete a thick layer of slime called a “mucous cocoon” which prevents moisture loss and protects their skin.

The sirens of myth may not produce mucous cocoons, but they are famous for their songs, and it may surprise you to know that Western lesser sirens can vocalize too. Western lesser sirens will click at other individuals during territorial encounters, and when threatened, they yelp.

If you’re in a wetland and hear clicking or yelping, it just might be the song of the Western lesser siren!

If you’ve heard the siren song of reptiles and amphibians and you’d like to learn more about our work, subscribe to our newsletter at tinyurl.com/subscribeARC.

Photos:
1 & 2. Yinan Li, CC-BY-NC
3. Robert Dobbs, CC-BY-NC

08/12/2026

“Call an ambulance! …But not for me!”

Snakes in the Pituophis genus (group) are excellent actors, and they seem to embody the spirit of “fake it ‘til you make it.” Pituophis roughly translates to “pinesnake,” one of the common names of some of the species in this genus. The group also includes several other species and subspecies, such as gopher snakes and bullsnakes.

When threatened, they tend to coil, strike repeatedly, and even vibrate their tail in an attempt to bluff their adversary.

Members of the genus can do something remarkable. You may have heard a snake hiss before, but have you ever heard one bellow?

Pituophis snakes have some interesting physical adaptations that help them mimic two much more intimidating animals: bulls and rattlesnakes. This mimicry lends one member of the Pituophis genus its common name, bullsnake.

Pituophis snakes are the only known animals to have a single vocal cord. When they become agitated, they force a burst of air across this vocal cord, and the resulting vibration produces a sudden bellowing sound, followed by a drawn out hiss.

Snakes in this genus also have a structure called an epiglottal keel, a small piece of cartilage in their windpipe that amplifies the volume of their hiss. When these snakes feel threatened, their large size, tail “rattling,” and bellowing with a hiss are usually enough to make most would-be predators to think twice.

In spite of their impressive size and vocalizations, snakes in this group are harmless to humans. It’s all a big act.

Even the best actors need help sometimes. Although snakes in the Pituophis genus can be found across much of North America, many species are at risk due to factors such as habitat loss.

At ARC, the northern pinesnake is one of our priority species. To learn more about priority species and our work to protect them, check out: ARCProtects.org/species.

Photos:
1. Bullsnake, jbpeters, CC-BY-NC
2. Florida pinesnake, Alvin Diamond, CC-BY-NC
3. Pacific gopher snake, Svea R Bruslind, CC-BY-NC
4. Great Basin gopher snake, Justin Chan, CC-BY-NC
5. Northern pinesnake, Ab Abercrombie

Address

6844 Bardstown Road Ste 677
Louisville, KY
40291

Website

https://arcprotects.org/

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