This chapter describes the status of reptile and amphibian species along the 

 coast of Maine; their species associations, food requirements, and 

 reproductive biology; the factors that affect their distribution and 

 abundance; and their importance to humanity. Data gaps and research 

 priorities are indicated and current management practices applicable to 

 herptiles are discussed. 



DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE 



Most species of amphibians and reptiles are found throughout the six coastal 

 regions in the habitats listed in table 18-1. Exceptions are the spring 

 salamander and the spotted turtle, which reach the northernmost extent of 

 their ranges in the area of regions 1 or 2 (Pope 1915; and Babcock 1919). The 

 abundance of herptile species in coastal Maine is not known. The eastern 

 region, particularly the coastal area, has not been surveyed comprehensively. 

 The limited distributions indicated in table 18-1 for the four-toed 

 salamander, mink frog, stinkpot turtle, and northern water snake probably 

 result from lack of adequate information. Information from northern Maine and 

 other States indicates that reptiles and amphibians may be abundant, although 

 inconspicuous. For example, a deciduous forest in New Hampshire supported 

 approximately 3000 salamanders per hectare, with a biomass of 1770g/ha (wet 

 weight; Burton and Likens 1975). This biomass is approximately twice that of 

 breeding birds, and nearly equal to that of small mammals. These densities 

 are comparable to those found elsewhere (Michigan, Pennsylvania, and 

 Virginia). In northern Maine, populations of the red-backed salamander 

 averaged 1100/ha in mixed hardwood-spruce fir forests (Banasiak 1974). More 

 studies are needed to determine populations of these and other herptiles in 

 coastal Maine. The importance of herptiles in the functioning of ecosystems 

 probably has been underestimated (Burton and Likens 1975). 



The leatherback turtle is an endangered species. The distribution of the 

 leatherback turtle, as well as other species of sea turtles, is currently 

 being investigated along the Atlantic coast from Cape Hatteras, North 

 Carolina, to Nova Scotia (Shoop et al. 1979). During the first year of 

 observation (1979) four leatherbacks were sighted in marine waters off the 

 Maine coast. Leatherbacks appear rather suddenly along the Maine coast in 

 late spring, and it is thought they move northward using the Gulf Stream for 

 transport. Unlike other species of sea turtle^, leatherbacks are capable of 

 regulating their body temperture at about 80 F (27 ° C) , and are thus able to 

 survive in the cold marine waters along the Maine coast. 



HABITAT PREFERENCES 



The preferred habitats of many species of reptiles and amphibians differ 

 according to the stages of their annual cycle. Many species that spend much 

 of the year in terrestrial habitats move to aquatic habitats for breeding and 

 egg laying. In addition, all reptiles and amphibians indigenous to the 

 coastal zone must hibernate during the winter. Many species (e.g., 

 terrestrial amphibians) hibernate in the mud on the bottoms of lakes and 

 ponds. Others (i.e., aquatic amphibians) burrow in the ground. Snakes 

 hibernate under rocks, tree roots, or underground. Snake dens are usually 

 occupied by a number of individuals. 



18-3 



10-80 



