Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We just moved into a new house and have no plants or anything in the backyard and want to do it right this time. I'm wondering if anybody here knows what kind of plants, shrubs, etc. might help attract some herps to the yard. I'm just outside of Houston, Texas and every native plant store I try usually hears the opposite question because people don't want reptiles and can't help me. One thing i've noticed from looking at my usual herping spots is that a lot of the snakes I find seem to be around and in Yaupon Holly trees but other than that i'm clueless. I'd like to put in a small pond but don't know if thats going to actually happen yet so just wondering if anybody has suggestions.

I'm not sure how helpful I can be. But, since nobody else has replied I'll give it try.

Plants: I'm not aware of any specific plants that will attract herps. However, lots of plants will attract their prey items. Research the prey preferences of your local herps. Then research the food, habitat, and water requirements of those prey items. Attract the prey items and the predators will likely follow.

Water: Trying to attract aquatic or semi-aquatic herps? If so, a small pond or other water feature is a must. Non-aquatic herps and their prey will also be attracted to a reliable water source.

Basking spots: Diurnal herps need warm sunny spots for thermoregulation. A few well-placed rocks or driftwood should feel this need. Also, some items absorb and hold heat better than others. Consider using a variety of basking items so the herps can choose. While you’re at it, arrange the basking items so they can double as shelter.

Shelter: What type of shelter do the herps you're trying to attract prefer? This can differ from species to species. Provide the proper shelter and the herps will likely stay once they arrive.

Predators: Once the herps arrive, their predators are likely to follow. Fencing and various repellant products (be sure the repellants don’t also repel or harm the herps) can limit their impact. Abundant and varied shelter will provide escape options.

SPECIAL NOTE ON CATS: Keep in mind that CATS (even if well fed) love to kill herps. If you have cats, keep them indoors. If your neighbors let their cats roam free, trap them and kindly return them to your neighbors (let them know that if they’ll keep their cats off of your property, you’ll keep your snakes off their property). Also check your local leash and fence laws. If they are not sufficient, lobby to get them strengthened. If your neighborhood has feral (stray) cats, KILL THEM! (bracing for flaming)

pretty much the same as the other person said, but i site that you MIGHT be able find some good stuff it animal planet and their "back yard habitat".
And as for the feral cats, I agree! They'd have to be eupthinized anyways.... and obviously no one cares about the cat if it's feral. Now it has a collar and/or you can tell it's someone's pet... accidents happen lol (j/k there)
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1.0.0 Bearded Dragon (Rex- "normal" orange fire)
1.0.0 Bearded Dragon (Glutany- German Giant Mix)
0.1.0 Okeetee Corn (Okatee)
1.1.0 Spotted Python (Hotdog and Shoelace)

Good point by Black Wolf about Animal Planets "Backyard Habitat". I just checked out their site at animal.discovery.com/fansites/backyard/about/about.html. They also have forum at animal.discovery.com/fansites/backyard/about/about.html.

This also got me thinking about a program sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife, called “Wildscapes”. Their site is at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/wildscapes/. I would imagine that many states have something similar. Check with your state wildlife department.

Good luck with your landscaping and let us know how it goes!

Daryl Eby