You can help to save amphibian and reptile diversity in many different ways. On a larger scale, working to protect your watershed is the first step to ensuring clean water and healthy habitat for herps. You should:

• Prevent soil erosion by seeding for grass or planting shrubs;
• Avoid dumping chemicals down drains;
• Maintain vegetative buffer strips between your land and any surface waterbody; and
• Avoid releasing or transporting exotic plant or animal species into the environment.

Protecting surface water and wetlands is important to promoting herp diversity. Identfying, monitoring and restoring local wetlands are great ways to educate yourself and your community about the important functions and values of wetlands. Supporting public and private organizations involved in habitat protection is another way to help.

Visit the EPA's web site for more information.

Other educational resources include the following:

Frogwatch USA

Help monitor frogs and toads! Frogwatch USA™ is a volunteer-based program managed by the National Wildlife Federation in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey to:

• Collect information about frogs and toads in the U.S.
• Foster an understanding of the importance of protecting wetland habitats
• Provide an opportunity for all ages to learn about and establish a closer relationship with the natural environment

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North American Amphibian Monitoring Program

Adult volunteer observers are needed to help monitor frog populations by conducting evening calling surveys. Volunteer observers are provided training to identify calling frogs by their unique vocalizations and instructions on how to conduct survey. Each volunteer is then assigned to a roadside route, which he or she visits 3 to 4 times per year during the breeding season.

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North American Reporting Center for Amphibian Malformations (NARCAM)

The North American Reporting Center for Amphibian Malformations is a website designed to collect and report information on amphibian malformations in the United States. The website features information and relevant links to help students understand the causes of amphibian deformities and it also provides an interactive tool for reporting malformations. Additionally, students and educators can search the malformation database for known malformations in their area.

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Statewide Herp Atlas Programs

Are you a skilled "Herper?" Are you interested in frogs, toads, snakes, or turtles? Have you ever caught a frog or snake in your snake? If you answered yes to any of these questions then your state needs you to get involved in their Herp Atlas.

The Herp Atlas programs are ongoing in many states and provide opportunities for amateur and professional amphibian and reptile lovers to influence herpetological conservation and see some of the hidden biodiversity in your area. The following is a link to State Herp Atlas Programs.

• Alabama Herp Atlas
• Arizona Herp Survey
• Colorado Herp Atlas
• Georgia Herp Atlas: Contact John Jensen, Georgia Herp Atlas, Nongame Program, 116 Rum Creek Dr., Forsyth, GA 31029 (912) 994-1438
• Michigan Herp Atlas
• New Jersey Herp Atlas
• New York Amphibian and Reptile Atlas
• Nova Scotia Herp Atlas
• Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas
• Washington Herp Atlas
• Wisconsin Herp Atlas

Check 'em out and do your part to protect herpetofauna in your area!

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State Wildlife Programs

Each state and territory has wildlife agencies that often have opportunities to get involved in reptile and amphibian research through volunteering, have information on local reptiles and amphibians, and provide materials for individuals interested in amphibian and reptile conservation and education.

• Listing of State Wildlife Agencies can be found by clicking here.

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North American Reporting Center for Amphibian Malformations

The North American Reporting Center for Amphibian Malformations is a website designed to collect and report information on amphibian malformations in the United States. The website features information and relevant links to help students understand the causes of amphibian deformities and it also provides an interactive tool for reporting malformations. Additionally, students and educators can search the malformation database for known malformations in their area.

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