TUCSON, AZ (AP) -
A conservation group is seeking federal protection for six amphibians and reptiles found in Arizona and New Mexico.
The species are among 53 in a petition filed this week with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Center for Biological Diversity says the species in 45 states are the most vulnerable but least protected frogs, toads, salamanders, lizards, turtles and snakes.
The main threats to their habitat are pollution, invasive species and climate change.
Two fringe-toed lizards and two night lizards on the list are found in Arizona. The Rio Grande cooter is in New Mexico, while the Arizona toad can be found in both states.
Fish and Wildlife spokesman Jeff Humphrey tells the Yuma Sun that the petition won't be considered until 2016 after the agency clears a backlog of similar requests.
Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved.
