Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello everyone,

Usually I study my animals in captivity. This year I think I am going to start studying some wild specimens in their natural habitat. I am just wondering what forms do the experienced field researchers in here use? What information do you add in the forms?
Does anyone have a "template" that first timers can use? Also besides possibly a snake hook and some tongs, are there any other tools/supplies that I should take? Any information for a first timer would be great. Also if anyone happens to know of a good website as a reference for me, that would be awesome.

Thanks in advance,

Stan

Well I don't do field research but I can tell you somethings you will need. First off, you are definitely going to need bug spray. I'm sure you know how annoying those bites can be. Bring a pencil/pen and a notebook if you want to record anything interesting. Bring a camera if you want(preferably digital). I take pictures of herps all the time when I herp.

Last summer i worked for a company that did research on northern pine snakes in the pinelands of new jersey. However we came in contact with a large variety of other snakes including northern black racers, eastern kingsnakes, eastern garter snakes, norther water snakes, rough greensnakes, southern ringnecks, and eastern hognose snakes. Since we were only interested in the pine snakes, we just weighed the other snakes with simple scale that hooked onto a pillow case. We also measured them. With pine snakes we took them to a vet and had satallite trackers put in them. There are companies on the internet that sell these, i'm not sure what they cost, but i assume it would be alot. Also, you may want to invest in a handheld gps, like a garmin or a magellan, to record the positions of the snakes you catch. good luck!