The Pennsylvania Herpetological Education and Resource Project – PAHERP (http://www.paherp.org), a new resource to the reptiles and amphibians within Pennsylvania, was recently developed by Jason Poston, owner of the PA HERP Identification website (http://www.paherps.com). PAHERP offers a selection of resources dealing with amphibian and reptile species in Pennsylvania, games and activities for kids, and teacher resources. The site is focused on education, and includes an online database to encourage the public to submit records and help with conservation. Pennsylvania is home to an extraordinary diversity of amphibian and reptile species. Many of these species have either shown evidence of population decline or have life-history traits that make them susceptible to decline. There is a critical need for information on 36 amphibian and reptile species in Pennsylvania (Wildlife Action Plan priority species or species of conservation concern). Most of these species are sparsely distributed over large areas, making it difficult to accurately survey for their presence and abundance.
While a professional biologist can only survey one location at a time, countless people involved in outdoor recreation across the state regularly come in contact with native amphibian and reptile species. The PAHERP database gives the public a chance to help with conservation and research on the amphibians and reptiles of Pennsylvania. The information that we collect will aid in determining the present range and status of many species within the state. Data submitted on the 36 reptile and amphibian species of conservation concern will be organized on the PA Herpetological Atlas website (http://www.paherpatlas.org) and forwarded to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program for entry into their databases.
“Getting the public involved is a great way to collect new and exciting information on the distribution of reptiles and amphibians within the state. With the joined efforts of the PA HERP Identification Project, the Pennsylvania Herpetological Atlas, and PAHERP, we hope to make the public aware of the reptiles and amphibians in their backyard and the state, as well as the threats these species face”. – Jason Poston
PAHERP offers many resources that will give the public an insight in to the species within the state. Resources are available to the public and organizations educational purposes and to raise public awareness.
Visit http://www.paherp.org for more information and start your conservation efforts today.
