Missouri Department of Conservation

Amphibian and Reptile Management

If you make a place for amphibians and reptiles on your land, they'll reward your generosity by controlling pests (rodents and insects). Learn to manage your land for beneficial and fun-to-watch frogs, toads, snakes, lizards, turtles and salamanders.

Although this minisite is divided into three habitat areas--ponds, woodlands and prairies--there will be some overlap. For example, a number of woodland management techniques will be helpful to several farm pond species that breed in ponds but live as adults in the woods.

Ponds

Ponds provide vital habitat to amphibians and reptiles, as well as to a wide variety of other animals--from tiny aquatic insects to fish, shorebirds, doves, turkeys and deer.

Prairies

The majority of grassland amphibians and reptiles will prosper if you manage old fields or prairies to produce native grasses and herbaceous plants. You also should add ponds, marshes or wet areas.

Woodlands

Producing a diversified wooded area is the key to managing for non-game wildlife. The more complex a forest, the more food and shelter it provides for wildlife.