1007 - Scales and Slime

Wetlands are very important to our scaly and slimy friends—reptiles and amphibians. Reptiles and amphibians are often lumped together in a group called “herps.” Herp species need wetland habitats in order to complete their lifecycles. They rely on wetlands as a place for feeding, breeding, and growing their young.

The health of wetlands and herps are closely related. Because of this, herps serve as indicator species–certain plants and animals that indicate the health of an ecosystem. Herps are very sensitive to changes in their habitat and can show us if something is wrong. This can be seen in decreases in herp populations, increases in diseases, or in the loss of whole herp species.