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Overview
Colorado is home to 54 species of reptiles - 5 turtles, 19 lizards, 30 snakes.
A couple of our most interesting species are the Colorado checkered whiptail and the Massasauga rattlesnake. The Colorado checkered whiptail is an entirely female species that is only found in Colorado. Massasauga rattlesnakes are a small secretive snake that is being considered for federal listing.
Why Are Reptiles Important?
Reptiles are right in the middle of the food chain, so they play an important role in bridging the gap between top predators and small prey. Many species eat insect pests.
What Are The Associated Challenges?
What Is CPW Doing?
We are in the process of surveying the eastern half of the state to collect baseline information in partnership with a graduate student at Colorado State University.
