THE MINING JOURNAL (Marquette, Michigan) 01 August 07 Volunteers being sought to work on herpetology study
Marquette: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources continues to seek help from citizens in supporting Michigan’s statewide herpetology survey, which documents the presence or absence of reptiles and amphibians across Michigan.
The data collected from the survey will create a statewide “herp” atlas.
This is the first statewide inventory of reptiles and amphibians to be conducted in Michigan. The foundation of this project is to determine where species occur so there is baseline information to determine 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 DNR’s Natural Heritage Unit. “The atlas forms a foundation for answering questions about how global warming, natural phenomenon, and migration and range expansion affect herp population sizes.”
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 the summer. Observations must be verified by a knowledgeable source or be accompanied by a photograph or sound recording. Observers are reminded that they must follow all applicable state regulations regarding reptiles and amphibians.
Observations of all herp species 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 or a copy of the Herp Atlas manual and data cards, contact Sargent at (517) 373-9418; e-mail: SargenL2@michigan.gov, or send a request to Herp Atlas, P.O. Box 30180, Lansing, MI 48909. Information also is available on the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr
Volunteers being sought to work on herpetology study