A biologist recording calling-frog data.
A crawfish frog
A Kirtland's snake
A Jefferson salamander
A cave salamander
Select image to enlarge and view caption.
Amphibians and Reptiles
Indiana’s amphibians and reptiles, collectively called “herpetofauna,” occupy nearly every habitat in the state, including lakes, rivers, wetlands, forests, prairies, glades, caves, and dunes. Some species may also be found in agricultural, residential, and urban areas. Many of these curious animals live secretive lives in underground hideaways or simply blend in with their environment. Others may be observed basking on logs, climbing trees, or—as with our state’s frogs—heard calling during their spring and summer breeding seasons.
Indiana is home to 41 species of amphibians (frogs and salamanders) and 54 species of reptiles (turtles, lizards, and snakes). Of these 95 species, about one-third are listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) by the Indiana DNR.
Habitat management and conservation programs for these species are supported through the generosity of Hoosiers who donate to the Indiana Nongame Wildlife Fund. No state tax dollars are used to manage these species. Consider donating today.
Monitoring Amphibian and Reptile Populations
Indiana DNR herpetologists conduct research and monitoring to better understand the status and distribution of the state’s amphibians and reptiles. Species currently being studied and monitored include crawfish frogs, boreal chorus frogs, hellbenders, green salamanders, and Kirtland’s snakes. The DNR Herpetology Program is collaborating with several academic and non-profit partners to study and recover Indiana’s amphibians and reptiles. Read more about these projects in the project descriptions below.
- Kirtland’s Snake Population Studies
The Kirtland’s snake is a state endangered species that spends much of its life underground. DNR herpetologists have teamed with the Sycamore Land Trust to study this elusive species along Beanblossom Creek in south-central Indiana. In 2024, researchers began sampling for Kirtland’s snakes at newly constructed wetlands to determine how quickly the snakes will colonize recently restored habitat. Researchers are also examining how the snakes use no-till agriculture fields located next to restored wetlands. Interestingly, Kirtland’s snakes were found using both the recently constructed wetlands and areas along the outer margin of a no-till soybean field. These studies will continue during the 2025 field season.
- Crawfish Frog Recovery at Angel Mounds
In 2024, DNR herpetologists collected crawfish frog egg masses from an existing population in southwest Indiana and relocated them to Angel Mounds State Historic Site in Evansville. A large crawfish frog population historically existed at Angel Mounds, but it mysteriously died out during the 1980s. Suitable habitat remains at this historic state property, and biologists are attempting to reestablish its frog population.
After the move of eight crawfish frog egg masses to Angel Mounds, tadpole development and wetland water levels were tracked throughout the spring season. In late June and early July, recently transformed crawfish frogs were observed hopping around the wetland edge, confirming that this first important step of the recovery project had been a success. For the first time in more than 30 years, Angel Mounds has crawfish frogs on site. It takes crawfish frogs two to three years to reach maturity—when they return to the wetland to mate and lay their own eggs—so researchers will have to wait until 2026 to see if these young frogs have survived to adulthood. Additional egg mass translocations are planned for 2025 and 2026.
- Hellbender Conservation and Recovery
For nearly two decades, the DNR has been working with researchers at Purdue University to study and recover Indiana’s hellbender population. These giant salamanders are Indiana’s most imperiled amphibians, but a collaboration with Purdue, several partnering zoos, and other conservation organizations is turning the tide on their decline. Since 2017, more than 800 young hellbenders have been released into Indiana rivers, primarily the Blue River. During August of 2024, 40 hellbenders were released for the first time into Indian Creek in Harrison County. These hellbenders are being tracked by Purdue researchers to examine their habitat use and survival rates. Additional hellbenders are scheduled to be released in the summer of 2025.
Amphibians
- American Toad
- Blanchard’s Cricket Frog
- Bullfrog
- Crawfish Frog
- Eastern Spadefoot
- Fowler’s Toad
- Gray Treefrog
- Green Frog
- Green Salamander
- Green Treefrog
- Northern Leopard Frog
- Pickerel Frog
- Plain’s Leopard Frog
- Southern Leopard Frog
- Spring Peeper
- Western Chorus Frog
- Wood Frog
Reptiles
- Alligator Snapping Turtle
- Blanding’s Turtle
- Common Gartersnake
- Common Watersnake
- Eastern Box Turtle
- Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
- Eastern Massasauga
- Gray Ratsnake
- Timber Rattlesnake
- Wall Lizards
Additional Resources
A crawfish frog egg mass.
A western chorus frog calling