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Reptiles & Amphibians of Arizona
Arizona supports a tremendous diversity of wildlife, including 168 species of reptiles, all of which are considered nongame species. Reptiles can be found in nearly the entire state. Arizona's reptile diversity is composed of 16 turtle species, 73 lizard species, and 78 species of snakes. Among the snakes are 13 species of Rattlesnakes, which is just over 1/3 of the world's rattlesnake species and more that can be found in any other U.S. state. Eleven of the reptile species, such as the Twin-Spotted Rattlesnake, Mexican Garter Snake, and Ornate Box Turtles, are protected in the state and are illegal to collect from the wild.
Of the 185 species, 6 non-native species have, through the actions of humans, become established in the states. Some of these non-native species, such as the pond slider and Mediterranean House Gekco, are such a common sight and have been here for so long that many people think they are native to Arizona.
Arizona has a rich diversity of amphibians. There are 28 species of amphibians, including 27 frogs species (both frogs and toads) and 1 species of salamander. Several of these amphibians are only found in some of the most arid parts of the deserts that make up much of Arizona. Because of aquatic habitats being destroyed many of the amphibians have suffered declines and some, such as the Chiricahua Leopard Frog and Sonoran Tiger Salamander are proteced in the Endangered Species Act.
Of the 185 species of amphibians, Arizona has become home to 4 types of non-native amphibians: American Bullfrogs, Rio Grande Leopard Frogs, African Clawed Frogs, and Barred Tiger Salamanders have become so numerous and widespread that they are now seriously threatening native aquatic wildlife populations, particularly amphibians and reptiles.
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