A Review of Herpetofaunal Distributions in Arkansas with Special Emphasis on Contributions from Citizen Science: Part II – Turtles, Lizards, and Alligators

Authors

• L. Hobbs, University of Arkansas - Fort SmithFollow
• E. Kelley, University of Arkansas - Fort SmithFollow
• J. Jackson, University of Arkansas - Fort SmithFollow
• J.D. Willson, University of Arkansas, FayettevilleFollow
• K. G. Roberts, Rogers High School, RogersFollow
• R. Kannan, University of Arkansas - Fort SmithFollow

Keywords

Turtles, lizards, alligator, iNaturalist, distributions

Abstract

We update and present a comprehensive review of the distributions of the species of lizards (14), alligators (1), and turtles (16) in Arkansas. We compare historical and current distributions with citizen science data uploaded and verified in iNaturalist, a leading online citizen science biodiversity monitoring database. The Arkansas Herpetological Atlas, an online resource maintaining species occurrence records, is also used and compared. We highlight the role played by iNaturalist in enhancing our knowledge of the distributions of these species in Arkansas. As of 13 February 2025, verified and vetted Research Grade (RG) iNaturalist observations from Arkansas include 7,462 observations of turtles and 5,345 observations of lizards and alligators, expanding the known distributions of 26 of the 31 species (84%). We highlight species whose ranges have significantly expanded or contracted. This is the second paper in a planned 3-part series documenting the current distribution of all herpetofaunal species in Arkansas.

Recommended Citation

Hobbs, L.; Kelley, E.; Jackson, J.; Willson, J.D.; Roberts, K. G.; and Kannan, R. (2026) "A Review of Herpetofaunal Distributions in Arkansas with Special Emphasis on Contributions from Citizen Science: Part II – Turtles, Lizards, and Alligators," Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 79, Article 17.

Available at: https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol79/iss1/17