The state Wildlife and Fisheries Commission has voted to add the Mississippi gopher frog to Louisiana's list of endangered reptiles and amphibians and to protect Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes and two pine snake species.
The proposed rule change would add the three snakes to the list of reptiles and amphibians that cannot be killed or removed from the wild without a permit.
Scientists don't know of any wild populations of Mississippi gopher frogs in Louisiana. But they once lived in the state, and the species is on the federal endangered list.
Conservation groups say all four species need longleaf pine habitat, which was almost logged out of existence.
The commission will take public comment on the proposals at its Feb. 7 meeting and by mail through Feb. 20.