Herpetological Survey Advances

Maybe you've seen Plethodon cinereus while walking on the Greenway!

Back in February, the Board of Aldermen gave Michael C. VanValen permission to complete a herpetological survey along the Derby Greenway. According to Mr. VanValen, "My intention is to add to the data I have collected on our states native herpetofauna, submit vouchers of individual animals to the North America Field Herping Association of which I am a member and in the case of any possible threatened and/or endangered species encountered, submit information to the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. I also intend to release the survey results to the Derby Parks & Recreation Commission."

He has made some progress and recently shared this update and picture with Ken Hughes, President of the Board of Aldermen:

I thought I'd fill you in on a few details of what I have seen on the Greenway since starting my survey in April. Here are a few highlights :

I found a dead snake which I believe to be a Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi). The Brown Snake is a common, but secretive species which spends a lot of time underground.

I also found a "coral phase" redback salamander (Plethodon cinereus). This is the all pink color phase which has been documented in the state before, but is not a common find. The salamander happened to be a gravid (pregnant) female. I have attached a picture of the salamander. You may use the picture as you wish.

In mid-April I saw Red-Eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) basking in the pond. The Slider is an introduced species. (native to southeastern/midwestern north america). Sliders are popular as pets but unfortunately many are released into our waterways. Sliders can out compete native turtles for nesting habitat and drive them out.

I did, however,  observe a native Eastern Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta picta) in the pond on 4/08.

I did hear American Toads (Bufo americanus) calling and subsequently found toad tadpoles in a few of the many puddles that fill up in the area. Breeding amphibians is a sign of a healthy ecosystem.

Also observed on a few occasions were Eastern Garter Snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis)

The summer heat has driven many herps underground and into a period of inactivity so I expect things to be slow for the nest few weeks. However, turtle eggs will soon be hatching and I hope to see that happening in the various waterways.

On 07/10 I saw not a single reptile or amphibian on the Greenway. The 90 degree temps would explain that.

In 2 weeks I will be heading to south Florida to do some wildlife photography in the Everglades, and I have also been very busy at other sites in Connecticut studying various species, including the state endangered Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus).

I am hoping to make more discoveries on the Greenway as we enter the fall herping seaon.

Hope you're doing well.

- Mike VanValen

Posted August 14, 2008