Conservation Action Plans
Conservation Action Plans (CAPs) are a PARC initiative that “describe specific management practices that are intended to serve as guidelines that land managers can use to implement conservation and management actions that provide a positive conservation benefit to a particular species”. These CAPs are focused on species that are currently being evaluated for listing and on other species that are in need of conservation action. You can read more about CAPs and see some examples from other PARC chapters here.
SEPARC is happy to contribute to these efforts! You can find our completed Conservation Action Plans below.
Green Salamander (Aneides aeneus) Species Complex
Green Salamander (Aneides aeneus) Species Complex
To download your FREE copy of the SEPARC Green Salamander Conservation Action Plan, please fill out the form.
Ornate Chorus Frog (Pseudacris ornata)
To download your FREE copy of the SEPARC Ornate Chorus Frog Conservation Action Plan, please fill out the form.
Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis)
Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis)
To download your FREE copy of the SEPARC Eastern Hellbender Conservation Action Plan, please fill out the form.
Buyer's Guide to Pet Reptiles
This page was created by SEPARC's Invasive Species Task Team, in collaboration with the University of Florida IFAS Extension, and provides some useful guidelines for purchasing pet reptiles.
- Download the printable Buyer's Guide to Pet Reptiles brochure
When choosing a pet reptile, you should consider:
- How long will this animal live?
- How large will this animal grow?
- How much will it cost to feed and care for this animal?
- What are the long-term requirements for this animal?
- Where did this animal come from?
- Is this animal going to be a safe pet for my household?
Best Choices
Cornsnake, Ratsnake, Milksnake, Kingsnake
These snakes are readily available through local breeders/pet shops and are usually captive-bred. They generally have a good temperament and have basic care requirements.
Leopard Gecko, Bearded Dragon,
Blue-tongued Skink
These lizards are available through local breeders or pet shops and are all small to medium-sized species with good temperaments and basic care requirements. Leopard geckos are especially easy to care for because, unlike other lizards, they do not require UV lights.
Ball Python
This species of python is very popular and readily available in a variety of color patterns. The Ball Python is probably the best pet python (especially for beginners) because of its smaller size and caging requirements. However, you should know that these snakes can live for 20-30 years.
Red-footed Tortoise,
Yellow-footed Tortoise
These tortoises are readily available at pet stores, have great temperaments, and are among the best choices for a pet turtle. However, tortoises require a large enclosure, and all species need quality UV lighting and a nutritious diet including a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Be aware that these species can live for 25-60 years.
Poor Choices
Burmese, Reticulated, and African Pythons, Anacondas
Although they are readily available and are often inexpensive, these snakes can grow to over 20 feet long and can be dangerous. Many states will soon restrict or prohibit keeping these species as pets.
Green Iguana
Iguanas are readily available and are inexpensive but grow quite large and become aggressive as adults—as a result, finding new homes for unwanted iguanas is nearly impossible. They are prone to health problems if not fed a nutritious, varied diet, and require large enclosures with UV lighting.
African Spurred Tortoise
(aka Spur-Thigh or Sulcata Tortoise)
This species of tortoise is widely available at small sizes, but can grow to weigh over 200 pounds! Most turtles and tortoises do not make good pets, because they are very long-lived and require large enclosures.
Most Monitor Lizards
Monitor lizards are often readily available but many species can be dangerous to handle. They also have extensive care requirements and need very large enclosures with quality UV lighting/exposure.
Red-eared Slider Turtle
Although many states do not allow this turtle species to be kept as a pet, they are sometimes sold illegally. They require large enclosures with filtered water (or frequent water changes) and UV lighting.
Important Tips
Make sure your pet reptile is captive born and bred.
This will:
- Ensure that your pet was not removed from a wild population (including eggs).
- Ensure that your pet will not have a lot of parasites in or on its body.
Ask the breeder or pet shop questions about where and how the animal was bred.
Learn your local captive wildlife laws!
Many states have laws dealing with wild and captive (native and non-native) reptiles. These laws range from space and permit requirements to prohibited species—some states don’t even allow reptiles to be kept as pets! To learn more about your local laws regarding captive wildlife, visit www.fishwildlife.org.
It is NEVER legal to release non-native wildlife!
Basic Reptile Care
- Adequate space and ventilation
- Clean, safe substrate and clean water
- Quality UV lighting (not needed for snakes)
- Vitamin and mineral supplements
Snakes
- Secure lid latches/clips prevent escape.
- Appropriate environment—each species has its own requirements. Most of the species recommended here can be kept at room temperature, but their enclosures should provide cooler and warmer spots. Adequate humidity is also important for some species.
- Dietary requirements vary depending on the snake species, but most can be fed thawed, pre-killed rodents.
Lizards
- Basking areas or perches (with heat/UV source) are needed for some species.
- Dietary requirements vary greatly among species, depending on whether they are herbivores, omnivores, insectivores, or carnivores. It is important to offer a wide variety of food.
Tortoises/Aquatic Turtles
- Adequate space and shelter are essential for tortoise enclosures.
- Aquatic turtles need clean water.
- Appropriate environment is critical; pay close attention to temperature and humidity to prevent respiratory infections and other illnesses!
- Dietary and UV lighting needs should not be underestimated. Tortoises require a variety of fresh, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, not just lettuce!
Diseases and Parasites of Herpetofauna
Photo by Lisa Powers
Downloadable information sheets produced by the SEPARC Disease Task Team. The task team's goal is to increase awareness of herpetofaunal pathogens and the occurrence of disease-related die-offs of herpetofauna in the Southeast.
The Task Team develops information sheets on common herpetofaunal pathogens, protocol for collecting and shipping diseased animals, and instructions on disinfecting field equipment.
Information sheets developed by this team on pathogens of amphibians and reptiles and their collecting/shipping protocols are available for online viewing and download:
Duffus, A.L.J., J. T. Hoverman, D. L. Miller, A.W. Dean, J.M, Klaus, and M.J. Gray. 2013. Ranavirus Infections in North American Amphibians. Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Disease, Pathogens and Parasites Task Team, Information Sheet #1R2.
Becker, M. H., A. Vonhandorf and R. Brenes. 2013. Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis: An emerging amphibian pathogen. Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Disease, Pathogens and Parasites Task Team, Information Sheet #2.
Hoverman, J. T. 2009. The bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila in amphibian populations. Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Disease, Pathogens and Parasites Task Team, Information Sheet #3.
Hamed, M. K. 2009. The trematode Ribeiroia ondatrae in southeastern amphibians. Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Disease, Pathogens and Parasites Task Team, Information Sheet #4.
Cook, J. O. 2009. An alveolate agent in southeastern amphibians. Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Disease, Pathogens and Parasites Task Team, Information Sheet #5.
Adams, C. K. 2009. Threat of Saprolegnia to southeastern amphibians. Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Disease, Pathogens and Parasites Task Team, Information Sheet #6.
Baxley, D. 2009. Fungal diseases in southeastern snakes. Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Disease, Pathogens and Parasites Task Team, Information Sheet #7.
Gonynor, J. L., and M. J. Yabsley. 2009. Mycoplasma related upper respiratory tract disease in gopher and desert tortoises. Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Disease, Pathogens and Parasites Task Team, Information Sheet #8.
Miller, D. L., and M. J. Gray. 2009. Collecting and shipping specimens for diagnostic testing. Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Disease, Pathogens and Parasites Task Team, Information Sheet #9.
Horner, A. A., Miller, D. L., and M. J. Gray. 2016. Disinfection of field equipment and personal gear. Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Disease, Pathogens and Parasites Task Team, Information Sheet #10R.
McGuire, J. L, and D. L. Miller. 2012. Ranavirus in Chelonians. Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Disease, Pathogens and Parasites Task Team, Information Sheet #11.
McGuire, J. L. 2012. Mycoplasma alligatoris in American alligators. Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Disease, Pathogens and Parasites Task Team, Information Sheet #12.
Calatayud, N. 2012. Endocrine Disruptors and Amphibians. Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Disease, Pathogens and Parasites Task Team, Information Sheet #13.
Miller, D. L. 2012. Viruses in Alligators. Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Disease, Pathogens and Parasites Task Team, Information Sheet #14.
Gray, M. J., D. L. Miller, and A. L. J. Duffus. 2013. Pathogen surveillance, data analysis, and biosecurity techniques. Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation. Diseases, Pathogens and Parasites Task Team. Presentation #1.
Greenspan, S. E., J. L. McGuire, and D. L. Miller. 2013. Hellbenders in decline. Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Disease, Pathogens and Parasites Task Team, Information Sheet #15.
Duffus, A.L.J, C.M. Jackson, and A.M. Andrews. 2013. Dermocystidium (Amphibiocystidium) Infections in Amphibians. Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Disease, Pathogens and Parasites Task Team, Information Sheet #16.
Goodman R. 2013. Ranaviruses in Squamates. Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Disease, Pathogens and Parasites Task Team, Information Sheet #17.
Allender, M. 2013. Snake Fungal Disease: Frequently Asked Questions. Northeastern Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, NEPARC-2013-02.
Pierson, T. W., and A. A. Horner. 2016. Environmental DNA sampling for amphibian pathogens. Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Disease, Pathogens and Parasites Task Team, Information Sheet #19.
Gray, M.J., Duffus, A.L.J., Haman, K.H., Harris, R.N., Allender, M.C., Thompson, T.A., Christman, M.R., Sacerdote-Velat, A., Sprague, L.A., Williams, J.M., and D. L. Miller. 2017. Pathogen Surveillance in Herpetofaunal Populations: Guidance on Study Design, Sample Collection, Biosecurity, and Intervention Strategies. Herpetological Review. 48:334-351.
Duffus, A.L.J., Fenton, H.M.A., Gray, M.J., and D.L. Miller. 2017. Investigating amphibian and reptile moralities: A practical guide for wildlife professionals. Herpetological Review. 48:550-557.
Pereira, K.E, Cusaac, J.P.W. 2018. Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans: An emerging amphibian pathogen. Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Disease, Pathogens and Parasites Task Team, Information Sheet #18R.
Atkinson, M.S. 2019. The Protistan Pathogen Perkinsea (a.k.a. Dermomycoides, Perkinsus-like organism, and alveolate pathogen) and its Impact on Southeastern Amphibians. Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Disease, Pathogens and Parasites Task Team, Information Sheet #20.
Disinfection Protocol. SEPARC DTT Briefs #1
Duffus, A.L.J., J.T. Hoverman, D.L. Miller, N.K. Stilwell, P.L. Bartlett and M.J. Gray. 2021. Ranavirus Infections in North American Amphibians. Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Disease Task Team, Information Sheet #1R3
Duffus, A.L.J., Stilwell, N.K., Bartlett, P.L., and R.M. Goodman. 2021. Ranaviruses in Wild Reptiles in the USA. Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Disease Task Team, Information Sheet #17R1
Godwin, C.D., and A.S. Romer. 2021. Snake Fungal Disease in Southeastern Snake Populations. SEPARC DTT, Information Sheet #21
View task team announcements and discussions and download task team meeting summaries from past SEPARC Annual Meetings from the Diseases, Pathogens & Parasites of Herpetofauna Task Team section of the SEPARC website.
Habitat alteration, fragmentation and loss are collectively considered to be the primary challenge in the conservation of amphibians and reptiles (i.e., herpetofauna). With herpetofaunal populations declining, and human populations expanding and using more land, Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC) has developed a series of regionally specific best management practices, or Habitat Management Guidelines (HMGs) to provide proactive guidance for improving the compatibility of land management practices with these animals.
These guidelines are not regulations, nor are they in any way an attempt to limit landowners’ rights. They should simply be regarded as recommendations for landowners and managers to consider the needs of amphibians and reptiles in the course of their management activities. The HMGs are directed towards resource managers and private landowners who have a desire to help protect amphibians and reptiles. If many landowners and land managers each implement some of these guidelines, then the cumulative effect can only be a positive one.
PARC Habitat Management Guidelines:
- Use the best science available
- Are easily understood by and practical for land managers and private landowners
- Present measures to help maximize compatibility with existing management objectives, or to optimize management actions specifically for herpetofauna
- Provide guidance on the management and restoration of habitats such that amphibians, reptiles, and many other wildlife species may benefit
We have not created a guidebook that describes the needs of every species of amphibian and reptile. Instead, we provide regionally-specific guidelines for managing habitats with the goals of keeping common species common, stemming the decline of imperiled species, and reduce the likelihood of species becoming listed as threatened or endangered.
Availability
Currently, the first edition of the Midwest guide and the new edition of the Southeast guide are available. See below for details on how to obtain these and other regional guides; new information will be posted as it becomes available.
- Southeast: The Southeast regional guide is now available online. As of March 2013, an *extremely limited* number of hard copies are available; contact High Cotton at the address provided below.
- Northeast: (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia) Available from PARC.
- Midwest: ((Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin) Available from PARC.
- Northwest: (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming) Available from PARC.
- Southwest: (Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah) Available from PARC.
For additional information on PARC’s habitat management guidelines, visit the national PARC website’s HMG page.
What to Do With Unwanted Pet Amphibians and Reptiles
Pet pythons were released into the Florida Everglades and eventually established resident populations. They are now eating their way through the ecosystem, decimating the native species.
This page was created by SEPARC's Invasive Species Task Team, in collaboration with the University of Florida IFAS Extension, and provides some useful guidelines for what to do if you can no longer care for a pet amphibian or reptile. You may download a printable brochure of this entire page.
If you must part with the pet, please consider these guidelines for safe ways to part with it. Above all, you should never release it into the wild. If you do, the result can be disastrous. The picture to the right shows an example of what can happen.
Keep It
If you are at your wits end because your pet reptile is too difficult to handle, getting some advice from an expert may help. Visit Melissa Kaplan's Herp Care Collection website (see the Helpful Resources Online section below) to find fact sheets with advice on dealing with behavioral problems and keeping your pet healthy.
Return It to the Pet Store
If behavior is not an issue, and you are simply no longer able to keep your pet, contact the pet store where you purchased it. Because of the recent media attention on the problems caused by pet releases, many pet stores may be willing to take back unwanted pets, rather than risk having it set free. However, you probably won't get your money back!
Find It a New Home
The best option for dealing with an unwanted pet (if you can't return it to the pet store), is to find it a new home. Use the resources listed here to locate reptile rescue groups, herpetological societies, and animal shelters - they will try to help you to place your pet in a new home. You can also post a newspaper or internet ad or post fliers at local pet stores or animal shelters. Contact local science teachers and nature centers - they may want a classroom pet.
Contact Animal Control
Animal control agencies are usually only equipped to take mammals, but some may be able or willing to help or offer advice. However, they probably don't have a no-kill policy.
Contact Your State Fish and Wildlife Agency
While these agencies are not set up to take in unwanted pets, contacting them for advice is always better than breaking wildlife laws and risking fines by turning your unwanted pet loose outside!
Euthanasia
Euthanizing a pet is never an easy choice. However, if you cannot find anyone to take your pet, you may have to consider humane euthanasia by a qualified veterinarian. You should not release a pet into the wild under any circumstances.
Green Iguanas can be difficult to handle and even harder to place in new homes. Unfortunately, euthanasia may be the only option for these common pets.
Some tortoises grow very large. Your local herp society may be able to help you find a new home for these “specialty” pets.
Think Before You Buy
Reptiles and amphibians are popular pets for many reasons. However, some make poor pets because they grow large and require special cages or they become difficult to handle. Many reptiles are long-lived and require a much longer commitment for care than a dog or cat. Prior to purchasing a pet reptile or amphibian, be sure you fully understand how big it will get, how long it will live, and its current and future caging and feeding requirements. Ask yourself, “Is this the best pet for my situation, or should I consider a different one?” Unfortunately, many well-meaning pet owners choose to release their pets into the wild when they tire of the animal or are no longer able to care for it. In addition to being against state laws, releasing a pet is unethical because many of these animals die. However, some released pets beat the odds and survive, and some even find mates and reproduce. These non-native animals can cause serious harm to the environment and our economy. If at some point you are no longer able to care for your pet reptile or amphibian, you have several options that are discussed here - releasing it is NOT one of these options. Never turn a pet reptile or amphibian loose outside.
Helpful Online Resources
- Melissa Kaplan's Herp Care Collection website offers resources on herp care and behavior and lists herp societies and rescue groups.
- The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies website provides a list of Fish and Wildlife Agencies by state.
- AnimalShelter.org provides a list of animal shelters by state. While these shelters may only be equipped to take mammals, they may have connections with local herp rescue groups who will be able to help.
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Exotic Pet Amnesty Program is available for pet owners who can no longer care for their pets or no longer wish to keep them.
- www.separc.org (You are already here!)
Herp Educational Resources
Other educational resources:
