The Pennsylvania Herpitological Education and Research Project launched a new applicationto its web site today. PAHERP has been working on the Pennsylvania County Species Application for more than a month, anticipating it will be a great tool for the public.

The County Species Application is a web based site developed as an educational tool to bring awareness of the reptiles and amphibians to the Commonwealth counties. Using data from the PAHERP database, the program relates the information to older county records.

The application shows up-to-date verifications from data submitted by the public to the PAHERP database. It also shows unverified records related to older references for a county predating 2000. Finally, it shows historic species that have not been documented within a county for a number of years.

The application has two search features that can be used, Search by County and Search by Species.

Search by County brings up the list of all counties in Pennsylvania. When a county is selected, the user is taken to that county’s species list. This is a list of species that have been documented or had historic occurrence in that county.

Search by Species gives the user a list of all species that may be found within Pennsylvania. On selecting a species the user is taken to the species page showing a list of counties it has been documented in or has a historic status. A link is also provided to take the user to the PAHERP Identification site on that species for information on identification.

“This application is an important tool that allows folks to identify what may be living in their backyards. Additionally, with increased input from volunteers, an accurate picture of species’ ranges can be drawn which ultimately can assist with the conservation of some Pennsylvania’a rarer herps.” – Kyle Loucks

“Cool Application! Not sure what herps are in your county or a given area, just one click away! Great for species ID and range info also! Very user friendly. ” – Kevin Wolfe

Information on the species is updated after records have been reviewed from the PAHERP database. The application also updates the maps related to those species on the Pennsylvania Herpetological Identification site.

Pennsylvania County Species Application is an ongoing program to expand the range of species thoughout Pennsylvania. It is easy to use, and anyone interested in verifying a species in a certain county should visit the PAHERP database, sign up and add his or her sighting.

Launch the application now though PAHERP ID menu at the top of the page or visit the PAHERP App located at paherp.com

The distribution maps on individual species pages have been updated. The new maps are more accurate and will be frequently updated.

The maps are part of our upcoming Species County Application project we are working on thought the PAHERP site. Stay tuned for more information the new application.

We have opened the new PAHERP community forum. Sign Up – Communicate with others, ask questions, or get help. The forum is new and will still be fixing some small errors. If you happen to find one or see something out of place please leave us a note or send us an email.

Visit the PAHERP Forum.

We have added a few new photos for some of the ID pages, also Highlighted the Endangered Species Status, and for Species that have a resource paper at PAHERP.com we have added a link to that paper under the species status “PAHERP Resource”.

More updates and photos to come.

Thanks for all the support and emails. And remember if you have a question or need help with a species feel free to contact us.

Also don’t forget to head over to the PAHERP Database, sign up and record any reptile or amphibian you have seen.

The Pennsylvania Herpetological Education and Resource Project – PAHERP (http://www.paherp.com), a new resource to the reptiles and amphibians within Pennsylvania. We have been working on the project for a while and are proud to be announcing it tothe public today.

“PAHERP offers a selection of resources dealing with amphibian and reptile species in Pennsylvania, games and activities for kids, and teacher resources. The site is focused on education, and includes an online database to encourage the public to submit records and help with conservation. Pennsylvania is home to an extraordinary diversity of amphibian and reptile species. Many of these species have either shown evidence of population decline or have life-history traits that make them susceptible to decline. There is a critical need for information on 36 amphibian and reptile species in Pennsylvania (Wildlife Action Plan priority species or species of conservation concern). Most of these species are sparsely distributed over large areas, making it difficult to accurately survey for their presence and abundance.

PAHERP offers many resources that will give the public an insight in to the species within the state. Resources are available to the public and organizations educational purposes and to raise public awareness.”

Visit http://www.paherp.com for more information and start your conservation efforts today.