Introduction
In recent years many landowners have shown increased interest
in nongame animals, including frogs, turtles, lizards and salamanders.
With the increased funding through Missouri's Design for Conservation
new and progressive programs for nongame species public awareness,
management, and conservation have been established.
Some may wonder: "Why should anyone care about such animals as turtles or salamanders ... what good are they?" Ten years ago this question would have been more difficult to answer, but today there is a trend toward a compassion for all wildlife species, even those that have been misunderstood for so long. Due to habitat destruction there has been a decline in the abundance of many of our deer, turkey, or bluebirds. They are extremely important because they help control pest animals (rodent and insects) and they in turn serve as food for many other wild animals (mink, raccoons, skunks, owls, hawks, herons, and many fish species).
There is a growing concern that the wildlife, forestry, and
fisheries resources of our state be conserved for future generations.
Part of our natural heritage includes the interesting but little
understood toads, frogs, salamanders, turtles, lizards and snakes
that reside in the out-of-doors. Landowners who take special interest
in all wildlife and strive to better conditions for them can be
proud of their efforts and accomplishments. We are providing the
following information to anyone interested in improving conditions
for Missouri's amphibians and reptiles.
Although this booklet has been divided into three parts, 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.
Tom R. Johnson, Herpetologist
