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The Virginia Herpetological Society conducted a one-day herp survey at the future site of Powhatan State Park on 8 May 2010. During that survey, 15 species of amphibians and nine species of reptiles were documented. On 20 May 2023, thirteen years after the first survey, the park was revisited. During this survey, 25 species of amphibians and reptiles were documented including 15 species of amphibians and 10 species of reptiles. The most frequently found species was the Northern Cricket Frog with 63 being observed. In all 204 animals were observed during the survey period. Forty people contributed 218 person-hours of effort surveying the park during the one-day survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review of 60 Virginia Herpetological Society biodiversity surveys conducted between 1991 and 2022 found that geographic, seasonal, habitat, and climate factors are impacting the prevalence of anurans found during surveys. Of 28 anuran species inhabiting Virginia, 25 were documented in surveys with three, Anaxyrus quercicus, Hyla gratiosa, and Pseudacris nigrita not being found at any survey, even when surveys occurred in locations within these species' ranges. Lithobates clamitans was the most commonly found frog, at 54 of 60 surveys (it was found in 90% of surveys occurring in its known range). Eighteen species of anurans were found in 50% or less of the surveys conducted in their known ranges. As a group, chorus frogs (genus Pseudacris), excluding Pseudacris crucifer, were among the least reported anurans during surveys, even when surveys were conducted within their known ranges. Surveys were conducted from March until September, with the majority occurring in May (46%). By conducting a pre-site survey in March and a post-site survey in June, many more species of anurans could be included in the final species tally for a given location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doe Creek Wildlife Management Area in Accomack County, Virginia was surveyed for herpetofauna on 4-5 March, and 4-5 June 2022. A total of 15 species (9 anurans, 1 snake, 4 turtles, and 1 lizard) were found during the survey. Three species, Pseudacris kalmi, Chelydra serpentina,. Terrapene c. carolina are listed in Virginia's 2015 Wildlife Action Plan as species with special conservation needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mattaponi Wildlife Management Area in Caroline County, Virginia was surveyed for amphibians and reptiles on 11-13 June 2021. A total of 24 species (11 anurans, 3 salamanders, 4 turtles, 3 lizards, and 3 snakes) were observed during the survey. Three of the species are listed in Virginia’s 2015 Wildlife Action Plan as species with special conservation needs; Lithobates virgatipes (Tier IIIa), Scaphiopus holbrookii (Tier IVc), and Terrapene c. carolina (Tier IIIa). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fourteenth annual herpblitz was held on 15-16 June 2019 at Featherfin Wildlife Management Area, Virginia. A total of six species of amphibians (three anurans and three salamanders) and seven species of reptiles (one turtle, two lizards, and four snakes) were observed during the survey time period. This was the first amphibian and reptile biodiversity survey conducted at this WMA and thus serves as a baseline checklist that future surveyors can build upon. After surveying Featherfin we highly recommend WMA managers restore 18 hectares (45 acres) of the original property that were ditched and drained back into viable wetlands. Restoring these wetlands would provide needed habitat to increase the amphibian and reptile biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cedars Natural Area Preserve in Lee County was surveyed in May, June and August 2018. A total of twenty-eight species (8 anurans, 9 salamanders, 2 turtles, 3 lizards and 6 snakes were reported, including new county records for Scincella lateralis and Virginia valeriae. A previously unvouchered record for Pseudacris feriarum was verified. Some rarely seen species such as Aneides aeneus, Eurycea lucifuga, and Lampropeltis nigra were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]