Reptiles and amphibians in the endangered longleaf pine ecosystem

The Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States contains a rich diversity of reptiles and amphibians (herpetofauna). Of the 290 species native to the Southeast, 170 (74 amphibians, 96 reptiles) are found within the range of the remnant longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) ecosystem (Fig. 1). Many of these species are not found elsewhere, particularly those amphibians that require temporary ponds for reproduction. Many Coastal Plain species are listed federally or by states as endangered or threatened or are candidates for listing (Fig. 1). Examples include the flatwoods salamander (Ambystoma cingulatum), striped newt (Notophthalmus perstriatus), Carolina and dusky gopher frogs (Rana capito capito and R.c. sevosa), eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi), gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus), and Florida pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus).