Since the first known mention of a Northern cottonmouth in 1819, Oklahoma’s list of reptiles and amphibians has grown to include an incredible mix of about 140 species. And while the history of those species extends back to before the 19^th Century, with an understanding of and names given by Native cultures, the state’s archived history of herpetology begins after the Louisiana Purchase. More than 200 years after expeditions by English Americans, Oklahoma is recognized as one of the top twenty states for reptile and amphibian diversity and hosts a variety of herpetological conservation efforts. 

In his career managing and monitoring nongame species, the Wildlife Department's Mark Howery has regularly leaned on findings from reptile and amphibian research and surveys conducted in the state, searching for past records as the need arose. But he recently dove deep into the archives and developed a more complete picture of Oklahoma’s herpetological history. 

Click HERE to read more.

Click the photo above for a highlight reel of Oklahoma's herpetological history.