Amphibians and Reptiles of South Dakota

Welcome to the Amphibians and Reptiles of South Dakota! Here, you will find species accounts for all 45 species of amphibians and reptiles found in the state. We encourage the use of this website as a tool to provide information about South Dakota amphibians and reptiles and to assist in their identification. Should users have questions about the identifications of amphibians or reptiles or content found on this website, please contact me.

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Recent News:

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  • The Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of South Dakota (revised second edition) is now available! This newly-revised guide describes and illustrates all reptile and amphibian species in South Dakota in one reference. Color photos, updated distribution maps, and descriptions of life history and habitats help the reader identify 45 known and two possible species and understand the role these interesting animals play in nature. The second edition includes new illustrations and additional identification keys and reflects updated taxonomy and recent knowledge gained from university and community scientists. This field guide provides a glimpse into the lives of these intriguing members of South Dakota’s diverse natural heritage. Click here to purchase it ($20, shipped).

20 February 2023

  • 51 new occurrence records of amphibians and reptiles have been added to the database (HerpMapper: n = 46; UCSB: n = 5).

8 January 2023

20 December 2021

  • 313 new records of amphibians and reptiles have been added to the database (DRD Field Series: n = 64; HerpMapper: n = 20; iNaturalist: n = 229). Included are 3 new county records: Prairie Skink (Hand), Gophersnake (Campbell), and Common Gartersnake (Lyman).

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Number of Species
                             
1 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28+

Number of known species per county in South Dakota. Map generated from data collected from voucher specimens and photographic records. See About for additional information.

Salamanders
Frogs and Toads
Turtles
Lizards
Snakes