Iowa
We hope this page serves as a landing pad for learning about amphibians, reptiles, and their conservation. The resources featured were compiled by members of the MW PARC Advisory Board with input from other professionals working in amphibian and reptile conservation and management.
If links or information are out of date, please let us know!
State species
Iowa does not have an official state amphibian or reptile, but the Blanding's Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii), pictured here, can be found across about half of the state.
Field guides and species accounts
Reptiles and Amphibians of Iowa. This site contains species accounts and compiles occurance data from multiple resources for the state.
Amphibians and Reptiles of Iowa - A Complete Field Guide of Iowa Herpetology. This site includes written accounts and an assortment of images of species in the state.
The Natural History of the Snakes and Lizards of Iowa. Written by Terry VanDeWalle. (Available for purchase through the University of Iowa Press)
The Endangered and Uncommon Amphibians and Reptiles of Iowa - Complete Issue. Written by James L. Christiansen and Russell R. Burken. (Available as a PDF online)
Conservation and management
Multiple organizations in Iowa are involved in the conservation and management of amphibians and reptiles, including but not limited to the following:
Regulations
State licenses (e.g., commercial harvesting or bait collection) are required to sell many amphibians and reptiles in Iowa. You can read more about the enforcements and penalties for selling or taking herps in Iowa, or other regulations regarding these species, via the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies website.
Educational or Scientific Collector Permits are required to work with amphibians and reptiles in the state in many settings. Learn more about these permits, and obtain applications, via the Iowa DNR website.
Community science and local organizations
Reptiles and Amphibians of Iowa. This is a Facebook page where you can share your experiences and questions regarding amphibians and reptiles in Iowa.
Iowa Frog and Toad Wildlife Survey. The Iowa Frog and Toad Call Survey is a volunteer based survey that has been collecting data since 1991.
Museum collections
The University of Iowa Museum of Natural History maintains a collection of amphibians and reptiles in their fluid collections.