2008 Grayson Highland Herpblitz

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Salamanders, salamanders and more salamanders, seemed to be the theme for the 2008 Grayson Highland Herpblitz, a great time was had by all. The VHS would like to thank Grayson Highlands State Park for their hospitality and especially Kevin Kelly for allowing us to survey the Park and for showing us around to likely herp spots. Of course we would like to thank all VHS members that participated. And last but not least, thanks to Jason Gibson for all his hard work in organizing the 2008 HerpBlitz!

Below is a list of the species that were found either in Grayson Highlands State Park, or on nearby Whitetop Mountain (Weller’s and Pigmy Salamanders only found there, as well as Jordan’s and Red-backed which were also found in Grayson Highlands). No lizards or turtles were found and only two species of snakes, 2 live garter snakes plus one road kill, and two ring-necked snakes.  The highlights of the survey were the 15 Yonahlossee salamanders caught in the Park and the Weller’s and Pigmy salamanders found on Whitetop. 

Maps of the survey route: (click to enlarge)

Goggle Map	Live Map

Species List from Grayson Highlands State Park - (Species found on Whitetop Mountain only are in bold)

This year's third annual HerpBlitz was held at Grayson Highlands State Park with some small trips into surrounding streams and Whitetop mountain.  Surveying began on Thursday and lasted into Sunday.  15 people participated in this event.  2 anurans, 12 salamanders, and 2 snakes were found during the weekend.  No lizards or turtles were documented. 

Anurans
Pseudacris crucifer (Northern Spring Peeper)
Lithobates clamitans (Green Frog)

Salamanders
Desmognathus fuscus (Northern Dusky Salamander)
Desmognathus monticola (Seal Salamander)
Desmognathus orestes (Blue Ridge Dusky Salamander)
Desmognathus quadramaculatus (Black-bellied Salamander)
Desmognathus wrighti (Pygmy Salamander)
Eurycea wilderae (Blue Ridge Two-lined Salamander)
Gyrinophilus porphyriticus (Spring Salamander)
Plethodon cinereus (Red-backed Salamander)
Plethodon cylindraceus (White-spotted Slimy Salamander)
Plethodon jordani (Jordan's Salamander) / Northern Gray-cheeked Salamander
Plethodon welleri (Weller's Salamander)
Plethodon yonahlossee (Yonahlossee Salamander)

Snakes
Diadophis punctatus (Ring-necked Snake)
Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis (Eastern Gartersnake)