DNR Continues To Seek Help With Herpetology Survey Data

Volunteers are sought by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to help collect data for a herpetology (herp) survey, which documents the presence or absence of reptiles and amphibians across Michigan. The data collected from this survey will create a statewide herp atlas.

This is the first statewide inventory of reptiles and amphibians to be conducted in Michigan to determine where species occur, so there is baseline information to chart changes in populations over time.

"This is the first step in ensuring the future of our state's diversity of amphibians and reptiles," said Raymond Rustem, supervisor of the Natural Heritage Unit.

The multi-year Herp Atlas project began five years ago in cooperation with the Kalamazoo Nature Center. Observations of all reptiles and amphibians will be collected through summer 2007 and will be placed into a database and a Geographic Information System so that the distribution of species can be documented over the state.

"It is hoped that enough data will be collected to have an accurate picture of the herp populations in Michigan," said Lori Sargent, atlas coordinator.

For more information about volunteering, contact Ms. Sargent at (517) 373-9418. Information also is available on the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr.