Habitat Management Guidelines

See below for ordering information; NE, SE, and NW book on sale for $5!

Habitat alteration, fragmentation and loss are collectively considered to be the primary challenge in the conservation of amphibians and reptiles (i.e., herpetofauna). With herpetofaunal populations declining, and human populations expanding and using more land, PARC has developed a series of regionally specific best management practices, or Habitat Management Guidelines (HMGs) to provide proactive guidance for improving the compatibility of land management practices with these animals.

These guidelines are not regulations, nor are they in any way an attempt to limit landowners’ rights. They should simply be regarded as recommendations for landowners and managers to consider the needs of amphibians and reptiles in the course of their management activities. The HMGs are directed towards resource managers and private landowners who have a desire to help protect amphibians and reptiles. If many landowners and land managers each implement some of these guidelines, then the cumulative effect can only be a positive one.

These guidelines:

• use the best science available
• are easily understood by and practical for land managers and private landowners
• present measures to help maximize compatibility with existing management objectives, or to optimize management actions specifically for herpetofauna
• provide guidance on the management and restoration of habitats such that amphibians, reptiles, and many other wildlife species may benefit

We have not created a guidebook that describes the needs of every species of amphibian and reptile. Instead, we provide regionally-specific guidelines for managing habitats with the goals of keeping common species common, stemming the decline of imperiled species, and reduce the likelihood of species becoming listed as threatened or endangered.

Availability

Currently, the new editions of the Southeast, Northeast, and Northwest guide are available for purchase. In addition, pre-orders are being accepted for the Midwest (2nd edition) and Southwest guides. See below for details on how to obtain these guides; new information will be posted as it becomes available.

• Southeast: The Southeast regional guide is now available for order. To request hard copies of this publication, contact High Cotton at the address provided below. Now just $5!

• Northeast: The Northeast regional guide is now available for order. To request hard copies of this publication, contact High Cotton at the address provided below. Now just $5!

• Northwest:  The Northwest regional guide is now available for order. To request hard copies of this publication,contact High Cotton at the address provided below. Now just $5!

• Midwest: The second edition of the Midwest guide will be available soon. Click here to download the first edition.

• Southwest: The Southwest regional guide has been drafted and will be available soon.

To order hard copies of the regional habitat management guidelines, contact: 

Abby Robertson, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 1-877-838-2345, fax: 205-836-5587

or

send a check (@ $5 per # copies desired for NE, SE, and NW guides; or $10 for pre-orders of MW and SW guides) made out to “Amphibian & Reptile Conservancy” with “PARC” memo line to:

High Cotton (ATTN: Ms. Abby Robertson)
2901 Alton Way
Birmingham, AL 35201 
phone: 877-838-2345
fax: 205-836-5587

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it