Dr. Scott Buchanan- State Herpetologist

Scott Buchanan has been the state herpetologist (amphibian and reptile biologist) with the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife since 2018. He completed his MS in 2012 studying hognose snakes on Cape Cod, and completed his PhD in 2017 studying freshwater turtles in Rhode Island. Rhode Island is home to 18 native amphibians and 19 resident native reptiles, plus four migratory species of sea turtles. Using the best possible science, the RIDFW Herpetology Program strives to improve the understanding of the distribution and abundance of amphibians and reptiles on the Rhode Island landscape and employ the most effective strategies for their conservation and management. Scott has worked with the Westerly Land Trust since 2020 surveying for populations of eastern spadefoot toads (Scaphiopus holbrookii) in Westerly. The eastern spadefoot toad is Rhode Island’s only state-listed Endangered amphibian. The collaboration has led to new insights into where the species occurs and led to new opportunities for conservation.

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