Reptiles and Amphibians Listed as Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern in Maine

Blanding’s Turtle

Black Racer

Northern Spring Salamander

All photos by Jonathan Mays

A large proportion of Maine’s reptile fauna (nearly half) is listed as state Endangered or Threatened (4 species), or Special Concern (3 species). One species, the Timber Rattlesnake, is now believed extirpated. This is likely because the highest diversity of our herpetofauna is located in southern Maine, an area of the state experiencing significant threats from human population growth and development, including habitat loss, increased road traffic, predation by pets, water pollution, and illegal collecting. Maine’s amphibian fauna is apparently more secure with only 3 species listed as Special Concern, though adequate population trend data for amphibians is generally lacking in the State.

To learn more about these species, visit the state list of Endangered, Threatened and Special Concern reptiles and amphibians.