A new feature has been added to the Pennsylvania Herpetological Research and Education Project Database. The feature accompanies the preexisting Taxon Map, an accumulation of data submitted to the PAHERP database, and is expected to further expand knowledge of species’ locations to both the public and researchers alike.

The new Museum Record Map provides users with a view of historic county data of reptiles and amphibians in Pennsylvania. Records from nine various museum collections have been compiled to develop these maps, displaying over 150 years of information dating back to the mid-nineteenth century. Although the museum data may not include a fully accurate distribution of species within Pennsylvania counties, information shown in the maps allows for a greater understanding of former and current territories.

As a supplement to the PAHERP database, these historic records are hoped to increase awareness and insight of reptiles and amphibians in the state.

Users can access both the Taxon Maps and Museum Record Maps on the PAHERP Database species list. Individual map links are located to the right of each species name.