Reptiles
Reptiles are known on every continent except Antarctica, and in great diversity: more than 12,000 species have been described, and there are certainly more undescribed species and cryptic species left to be discovered. The term “reptile” is a bit of a taxonomic mess, as molecular studies have clarified the evolutionary history of the group and shown that, yes, birds (class Aves) are in fact reptiles! However, for our purposes, we will only consider non-avian reptiles when using this term, which encompasses the state’s 70 native species of alligator, turtles, lizards, and snakes, and five additional species of introduced lizards and turtles.
Our native species exhibit a diversity of lifestyles—including species that are fully aquatic (sea turtles), semi-aquatic (alligators, turtles, and snakes), fully terrestrial (lizards, turtles, and snakes), semi-fossorial (lizards and snakes), and semi-arboreal (snakes)—but all are ectothermic, lung-breathing tetrapods that lack a distinct larval stage. Most species lay eggs, but others have developed adaptations in the form of placental viviparity or ovoviviparity that lead to “live” birth. Some have developed specialized venoms to aid in prey capture, including the state-endangered Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, the largest rattlesnake in the United States by both length and weight.
All of our native reptiles are critical components of their natural ecosystems as predators, prey, disease sinks preventing the spread of Lyme Disease and Rabies, and ecosystem engineers. Even our often-persecuted venomous snakes act as environmental clean-up crews, scavenging dead organisms and consuming tick-laden and disease-carrying rodents; they also have additional value to humans in the form of drug discovery and pharmaceutical development from the molecular components of their venoms.
Reptiles face global threats in the form of habitat destruction and fragmentation, invasive species, urban development, and climate change. In addition, reptiles locally are under threat from pollution, emerging diseases, and invasive species. Our native freshwater and sea turtles are both threatened by poaching and hunting, and our native snakes are often wantonly killed due to fear and ignorance. As such, 25 species are listed as state endangered, threatened, or special concern; seven of these are federally endangered or threatened. Many more species are likely declining across their range and are in need of further study.