Although each part of this booklet deals with a specific habitat, there are general management tips that apply to all. Wildlife in general need food, shelter and water. The more complex a habitat--whether it is for land or water-dwelling animals--the more suitable it will be for a variety of wildlife. Managing the land for amphibians and reptiles means establishing a variety of plant communities, increasing cover or providing additional shelters for hiding and providing water and aquatic habitats.
It is encouraging that so many private landowners are interested in the welfare of Missouri's wildlife and that they are willing to improve conditions for our frogs, toads, lizards and such by using a few management tips.
Your field service agent will be happy to answer any questions you may have about information in this booklet, and the entire staff of the Missouri Department of Conservation stands ready to provide you with additional information. Contact the Department of Conservation for the name, address and phone number of the field service agent for your area.
RECOMMENDED READING
The following publications will provide information on natural history, distribution of amphibians and reptiles, and other subjects related to these animals.
The Reptiles of Missouri, 1965, by Paul Anderson, University of Missouri Press, Columbia, Missouri 65201.
The Amphibians of Missouri, 1977, by Tom R. Johnson, University of Kansas, Museum of Natural History, Lawrence, Kansas 66045.
The Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central United States, 1991, by Roger Conant and J.T. Collins, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, Mass.
Missouri Pond Handbook, by Joe G. Dillard, Missouri Department of Conservation.
Pond Life, 1967, by George K. Reid, Golden Press, New York.
Photographs and illustrations by the author
Copywrite 1979, Missouri Department of Conservation
