It was our 12th annual Great Herp Search. While a few of the searchers were professional field biologists, most simply had enthusiasm and curiosity. And everyone was intrigued by the idea of helping chart the status of herp populations and species. Sadly, one reason for all the attention is a serious concern about these animals' very survival. Salamanders, frogs, and turtles have declined precipitously in many areas of North America.
Turtles run the added risk of being collected, either legally and illegally, for the pet trade.
If carried out for several years, such surveys can even track population ups and downs. Since we initiated the Great Herp Search in 1988, over 450 volunteers have participated. People enjoy it so much that many return year after year, and one couple has helped with every survey. Maybe it's a creek floodplain, a marsh, vernal pools, a mountain meadow, or a forest. Divide the search area into smaller sections that can be well covered by a team of four to six searchers, and make section maps for the search teams.