Michigan Society of Herpetologists
Michigan Herp Atlas Project
Documentation and Verification · Locating Amphibians & Reptiles · Maximizing Observation Effectiveness
New Online Data submission at www.miherpatlas.org
The following information has been reproduced or complied from the Michigan Herp Atlas Project booklet from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources with permission to use such material from the projects coordinator, Lori Sargent, for the sole use of educating the public on the Project. The Michigan Society of Herpetologists is proud to support this project and will be leading structured surveys of areas around the state. Take a look at our schedule for a site near you!
Amphibian declines have been documented worldwide for the past few decades. Research continues in order to find causes for the declines. Some factors have been linked to local population declines, but there is no one overall cause. In Michigan, the history of amphibian and reptile populations is sketchy. There have been local surveys done in several areas, only a few have been long-term. Other than the recent Michigan Frog and Toad Survey initiated by the Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), Natural Heritage Program in 1996, no statewide surveys or monitoring of amphibian or reptile populations has been done.
Habitat loss and degradation, acid rain, collection for pets, and a high incidence of roadkills are likely factors determining the abundance of amphibians and reptiles in Michigan. Snakes are also vulnerable to persecution due to the misperceptions of most people and stigma placed upon them. In addition, amphibian and reptile populations can be reduced in number from illegal collecting. Michigan currently protects four reptile species and two amphibian species from harm under part 365, Endangered Species Protection, of P.A. 451 of 1994, Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. Seven other amphibians and reptiles are listed as species of "special concern" and are protected under a MDNR Directorís Order (DFI 166.93 of 1993) regulating the take of these species.Back to Top
The Michigan Frog and Toad Survey has been very popular with Michigan citizens and has been successful in beginning to gather information on our frogs and toads, but a reliable set of baseline data is necessary to understand and document changes in all of the stateís amphibian and reptile speciesí populations over an extended period; of time. The purpose of the Atlas Project is to collect observation data about Michiganís native amphibians and reptiles (herpetofauna or "herps") so that we can document their distribution, and with continued effort, document changes or trends in their populations.
This data-gathering effort will largely depend on volunteers. The first year will be a pilot year, so that the organizers will be able to evaluate data gathering techniques, data verification procedures, data recording, size of volunteer force, and other organizational details.
Knowledgeable herpetologists or biologists around the state will verify all data submitted for the Atlas Project. Training sessions will be held at the request of clubs or organizations that may be interested in getting their members involved in the project. Data cards will be supplied to interested volunteers upon request.
The Michigan Amphibian and Reptile Herp Atlas Project will only be successful if enthusiastic volunteers are willing to help. We expect volunteers to range in age and in occupation, but all will have an appreciation for the outdoors and Michiganís natural heritage. We are grateful for your participation and dedication.Back to Top
The Herp Atlas project is designed to run for 5 years. Any observation of a herp species can be submitted on a data card and submitted. Whether it be systematic searches for specific species or opportunistic sightings, it is important information to document and get the Atlas Project started. In subsequent years, in addition to opportunistic data, we will focus on areas of the state or particular species for which we have little information. Data will be placed into the atlas blocks as described in the Atlas of Breeding Birds in Michigan, Phase II (being intiated in 2001). These blocks are defined as one quarter township survey units, or nine square miles. Survey blocks may be assigned to individual volunteers. There are 1,896 townships and 7,080 atlas blocks in Michigan. In the future, efforts to atlas rare and difficult-to-census species will focus on areas with historical occurrences and areas with potential habitat for those species. Local organized groups are encouraged to have herp forays. These can consist of all-day or partial-day field trips to specific areas to search for herps.Back to Top
Documentation and Verification:
Verification of observations is necessary to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the Michigan Herp Atlas. Data verification is required for your first observation of a species in any given block. Proper verification of observations includes photos, audio recordings of frog calls, video recordings, or road-killed specimens. Collection and sacrifice of live individuals will not be tolerated. Temporary possession of herps for photography or identifying purposes is allowed. Extreme care should be taken when handling these animals to avoid harm to them and to yourself. If not using gloves, hands should be free of any type of lotion or chemicals. Michigan is the home to one venomous snake, the Eastern massasauga rattlesnake, so be sure of your identifying skills before handling any snake. Animals should also be returned to the precise location from which they were taken.
The accompanying data card should include as much information as possible about the observation. An attempt should be made to identify the species, but the data card and the verification should still be submitted if identification is not possible. There are two options for submitting observation data. You may send your evidence and data card directly to the Atlas coordinator or to the Kalamazoo Nature Center for verification, or you may have observations verified by an approved data validator. Validators will accept data and evidence of species identification, initial your data card and send it to the Atlas coordinators. Evidence does not need to be mailed. You may send your information to a validator in the mail or deliver it personally. Should you decide to deliver it personally, please contact the validator by telephone or e-mail to set up an appointment. See the "Data Validators" section for a list of validators you may consult to have observations verified prior to submission to the Atlas Coordinators.Back to Top
Locating Amphibians & Reptiles:
Amphibians and reptiles are extremely variable in appearance as well as behavioral patterns and in their habitat preferences. In general, herps tend to be secretive in nature except during specific times of the year (e.g., mating season) and under specific environmental conditions (usually high humidity and/or rainfall). Finding and observing herps is much like "birding", you must learn the habits of the creatures you seek and be in the right place at the right time. Herps can be divided into major groups for the purpose of discussing locating techniques. Exceptions for individual species will be noted. Timing is crucial when searching for herps. Generally, from April to October is the active time of year for these species in Michigan.
Salamanders: The majority of salamanders spend most of their lives underground, or hidden beneath forest debris or in aquatic vegetation. Salamanders can most reliably be found by looking under cover objects such as rocks, logs, bark, and vegetation. This is especially true of terrestrial and semi-terrestrial species. You should always replace cover objects to their original position after looking under them.
Aquatic forms such as newts can often be observed swimming or floating in the water column of ponds or along the weedy shallow margins of lakes. This is also true of spotted salamanders during the breeding season; however, they are seldom found except in fishless ponds in and near woods. Other aquatic salamanders such as hellbenders and mudpuppies can occasionally be located by lifting submerged cover objects in streams and other appropriate bodies of water.
Salamanders, by and large, when active on the surface, are nocturnal so that slowly walking about at night in appropriate habitat with flashlight or lantern will often prove to be very successful. Any area that is likely to yield salamanders during daytime collecting (e.g., spring seeps, stream margins, wooded ravines, etc.) will also be good areas to locate salamanders at night. While it is unwise to go out alone at night, large groups of people in the habitat will inevitably cause damage to fragile habitats. A deep footprint in the mud at the edge of a pond can be a significant obstacle to a migrating salamander. Rainfall and high humidity tend to stimulate salamander activity, so that nighttime collecting for terrestrial and semi-aquatic species is most productive under these environmental conditions.
Many of the "mole" salamanders (genus Ambystoma) are most reliably found by investigating potential breeding ponds or streams. Breeding activity is greatest at night, often during rainfall. Respect the habitat and its inhabitants, get only as close as is necessary for observation and identification, and avoid disturbing breeding salamanders and their egg masses.
The best times of the year to find salamanders is either in the spring or in the fall. Weather conditions are going to determine success, though, more than date.
Frogs and Toads: Frogs and toads (commonly referred to as just frogs or anurans) are highly vocal during the breeding season (spring) which makes them easy to locate and identify. Driving about and listening for choruses at night is the most effective method of collecting information about the species that inhabit an area. Like birds, breeding anurans vocally announce their presence with characteristic calls. Learning to identify frog vocalizations is not difficult, and recorded calls are commercially available to help the beginner. A frog call tape developed by the DNR Natural Heritage Program is also available at no charge to volunteer atlasers.
Frog breeding activity tends to be greatest on warm, damp evenings. After the breeding season, some anurans stay close to breeding areas, while others disperse to new habitats. Green frogs, mink frogs, and bullfrogs tend to remain in or near ponds and lakes, while Northern leopard frogs often move into surrounding fields and uplands. Toads, wood frogs, gray treefrogs, and spring peepers prefer moist woodlands but sometimes wander into fields and yards.
Amphibians should be handled only when necessary for positive identification, and captured specimens should be released as quickly as possible where they were found. Smaller individuals and species are quite delicate and sensitive to the heating and drying effects of human hands. Never handle an amphibian if your hands have insect repellent, sunscreen, or other chemical substances on them, as these can be harmful or fatal to the animal. The skin secretions of Great Lakes amphibians are not generally harmful to humans who handle them, but it is wise to avoid getting secretions in your mouth or eyes, and to wash your hands after handling any animal.
Snakes and Lizards: Reptiles, in general, are more tolerant of handling than amphibians, but it is always a good idea to observe them from a distance to avoid disrupting their normal behavior. Specimens that are captured should be released where they were found. Only well-trained people should ever approach or handle venomous snakes or any snake that you cannot positively identify.
Small to medium sized species of terrestrial snakes are most likely to be found by looking under cover objects. Water snakes and queen snakes are best found by walking in and along streams and bodies of water as well as turning cover objects such as rocks and logs along the margins of streams and ponds. You should always replace cover objects to their original position after looking under them. Large species, such as black rat snakes, are usually found actively moving about in the open. In general, the best places to look for snakes are along margins of streams and lakes, around human habitation, in open rocky areas and rocky slopes, and in regions where debris such as boards and other building material have been left lying around. In early spring, open rocky areas with southern exposures may be especially productive. Snakes and lizards are most active from mid-April to mid-June and again in late August and early September.
Turtles: Turtles are probably the most difficult group of reptiles for the casual observer to encounter. Wood turtles and box turtles, however, are more likely to be seen in the open. Most species of turtles are primarily aquatic, but many bask either at the surface of the water or on emergent objects such as rocks, logs, and sandbars (e.g., snapping turtles, painted turtles, map turtles, softshell turtles). This basking behavior provides opportunities for the casual observer to see these elusive species. A careful approach and a good pair of binoculars will allow ample opportunities to see important field marks on these wary species. During the late spring and early summer, egg laying prompts individuals to move around on land in search of nesting sites. This is especially true along the edges of roads in the vicinity of streams and bridges. Heavy summer rains may initiate terrestrial activity in otherwise aquatic species. Terrestrial turtles are most active from mid-April to the end of June. Aquatic species tend to sun throughout the summer and engage in terrestrial reproductive activity during June.Back to Top
Maximizing Observation Effectiveness:
Information for the Michigan Herp Atlas will be gathered from a variety of observation types and a range of observer expertise. The sampling block will be on the township scale. Your effectiveness in atlasing an area can be greatly increased by knowing the area. In the winter, before atlas work begins, carefully go over your area to locate all possible habitat types. Habitats to especially look for are springs and seeps, ponds, small streams along wooded valleys, edges of woods and fields, and bogs and wetlands. In early spring actual scouting trips into your area will help you identify specific areas to which you will want to return when the field season begins. On these scouting trips, things you should be looking for are possible vernal ponds, exposed rocky sections along roadsides, roadside ponds and wetlands, small streams with abundant rocks and other cover along the banks, and ravines with spring seeps on them.
In areas that are highly developed and/or have a high degree of human activity, the atlaser should look for small sections of "green space" such as vacant lots and hillsides or ravines too steep on which to build, land associated with rights-of-way (power lines, roadways, railroads), under-developed land in industrial complexes, the margins of shopping malls and the margins of streams or bodies of water. Parks and other recreational areas should also be carefully examined. Areas like this can often harbor a surprising number of amphibian species and some reptiles as well.Back to Top
Ethics of Atlasing
It must always be kept in mind that amphibians and reptiles are living organisms and should be treated with care and respect. Unlike birds, herps can be, and usually are, actually captured for positive identification. Be sure that you handle the animals gently and return them to their place of capture. Do not expose them to chemicals that may be on your hands, clothing, or on a surface on which you may place them. This can be harmful, if not fatal, to many species. It is best to retain herps in captivity for as short a time period as possible. Unless there is a problem with identification animals should not be removed from their place of capture.
If the herp was found under a rock or other cover object, it should be replaced next to it, rather than directly under the object, since it is possible to inadvertently crush an animal while replacing a cover object over it.
The majority of herps (especially snakes and saiamanders) will only be found by actually moving cover objects in the animalís environment. This activity, while necessary, should be done with concern for the environment so that the animalís habitat is not altered. Be sure that you return all cover objects to their original position. In all cases treat the environment with the utmost respect.
Be sure to ask permission before entering private land. Participation in this project does not give you authority to trespass on private land or to collect amphibians and reptiles on public or private land. Be sure that you donít leave anything behind when you leave, whether you are on private or public land. Habitat degradation and illegal collecting have both played a significant role in the decline of many species of herps.Back to Top
Please send data cards and validation evidence to:
Herp Atlas Project
Herp Atlas Project LinksBack to Top