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New York State's Reptiles and Amphibians

Listed below are the species of reptile and amphibians that are found in New York State. Before we get to the actual list of species there are some terms that we will be using that need to be defined.

DEC refers to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. For more information about the DEC please visit their web site at http://www.dec.state.ny.us.

Native means any species which spends some of its life in New York State, has occurred in New York State on a regular basis for many years, and was not intentionally or accidentally released into New York. A species is also considered native if it formerly met the above conditions.

Extinct means species no longer living or existing.

Extirpation means no longer occurring in New York state, or no longer exhibiting traditional behaviors for that species in New York (e.g., historical breeders no longer breeding here).

CITES is the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and any amendments to the Convention.

Endangered species are any species that are: (1) are native species in imminent danger of extirpation or extinction in New York State; or (2) are species listed as endangered by the United States Department of the Interior in the "Code of Federal Regulations" (50 CFR part 17).

Threatened species are any species that are: (1) are native species likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future in New York State; or (2) are species listed as threatened by the United States Department of the Interior in the "Code of Federal Regulations" (50 CFR part 17).

Species of special concern are species found by the DEC to be at risk of becoming either endangered or threatened in New York State. Species of special concern do not qualify as either endangered or threatened at this time and are not subject to the same laws and regulations.

It is illegal to take, import, transport, possess or sell any endangered or threatened species, or any hide or part such species, or sell or possess with intent to sell any article made in whole or in part from the skin, hide or other part of such species.

There are exceptions to this however. If the protected species or article made from the hide or part of the protected species was in your possession prior to its classification as endangered or threatened. All such species or articles must have documentation showing that it was in your posession prior to its classification. Any trade or sale of the animal or article still requires a permit from the DEC.

The DEC will also issue permits to take, transport, sell, import and/or possess protected species if you meet the requirements. Please contact the DEC for more information about this. In some case a federal permit may also be required as well.

Crocodilians (Alligators, Crocodiles, Caiman, etc.) are all protected as a group regardless of their official status. It is illegal to import or possess any crocodilian or any part of a crocodilian without a permit. A permit is also required to sell any crocodilians.

Many species, while not specifically given a status, are protected. Many species are considered game species with no specified season. Game species may only be taken during ther specified season.

• Amphibian Species and Their Status in New York State
• Reptile Species and Their Status in New York State

This information is to be used only as a guide. Please contact your local authorities or the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for the latest and most accurate information.

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