*The colored areas of the map above represent parishes with currently known records for the given species (Source: Jeff Boundy, LA Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries). By no means does it represent the full range of the species in the state, nor does it necessarily mean that a species can be found throughout the parish with the record. This is provided as a guide to where you might be able to find these species in the state and to aid in identification. A descriptive explanation of the range of each species can be found in the text below.
Other Common Names:
Subspecies: Only the Western Mudsnake, Farancia abacura reinwardtii, occurs within Louisiana.
Description:
Similar Species:
Species Range:
Louisiana Range: Statewide.
Habitat:
Natural History:
Best Time and Place to Observe:
Global Conservation Status: Red-bellied Mudsnakes are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. Their NatureServe Global Conservation Status Rank is G5 (Secure).
Federal Conservation Status: None
Louisiana Conservation Status: Red-bellied Mudsnakes do not have any special status in Louisiana.
Author's Remarks: I have observed this species alive in Louisiana in just a few places, on the road near the Manchac area, a couple of individuals at Cypress Island Preserve (St. Martin Parish), and I finally observed my first mudsnake within the Atchafalaya Basin levees after 8 years of working heavily in the area in summer 2015. I have seen this species dead on the road in several other areas of the state.
