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Showing Mission Statement Page
Updated: 11/21/07 - 5:36 pm | Page: Modifed Footer | more..
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This survey is to conduct an effective study of the population of Reptiles/Amphibians in PA; to measure the population growth and decline and try to determine the causes of each.
This project is NOT associated with The PA Herpetological Atlas (which is closed now) or the PA Fish and Boat Commission.
We will be trying to do this with the help of volunteers. We know that a lot of people enjoy the wild areas of PA and we're asking that you just tell us what you have seen and observed. Volunteers can be anyone, even if you are only observing reptiles/amphibians in your backyard. This information is important too. It gives us an idea of how reptiles/amphibians are adapting to the growing human population in PA.
It is very important to report road killed animals as well and if the roads are new or old as it directly impacts the population of reptiles/amphibians in certain areas such as ponds and migration routes.
There are data sheets and online reporting forms on this site for your use.
We advocate observation, taking notes, and photography over catching and handling of the reptiles/amphibians.
The photographs will help us determine the species, environment and general health. In the case of road kills, photos are not necessary if you can determine the species. We realize that may not be possible, so a category for Unknown DOR (Dead On Road) will be added to each category. Most likely you will be able to tell if it is a snake, turtle, frog or toad, etc. That is all we ask-a general ID by category.
Developments: If building of homes, businesses, clearing of land or forests, etc. is going on nearby the area that you find specimens, we would like to know that.
Also, if you have a neighbor that kills reptiles/amphibians, ID the species and fill out the form, don't tell us who did it or why, just that it was killed by a human-you can make a note such as "hit by a lawnmower" if you want to. This is also goes with animals killing reptiles/amphibians such as cats. All of this is important data.
Note on Non-native species:
Many non-native species are being released in PA such as turtles, alligators etc. This information is also important. Please report those as well. If in the case, you did not personally see the animal BUT have a newspaper article with a photo-you can e-mail it to us. Everything helps. We will be collecting reliable info on this subject.
Further if you CAN NOT identify the species, handle it as you would a venomous snake-meaning do not pick it up with your hands-as there are many highly venomous snake species being kept in PA and we would hate to see you pick up a cobra with bare hands. It is unlikely that this will happen but it is possible.
Notes on reporting info:
We will not ask the exact location of your findings-only the county. A map will be provided that you can mark an approximate area-such as northern Monroe county or Western Bucks county-the map is not exact-so there is no danger of giving away your favorite hunting spots. Also none of this information will be made available to the general public-this is to avoid poaching. Keep this in mind while posting photos in the visitor's gallery-DO NOT give exact locations. If you wish to provide this info on forms submitted that is up to your discretion. When listing highways and roads it is NOT necessary to provide that info-only let us know if the road or highway is old or new, paved or unpaved etc.
*second draft
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