The American Toad next to the vulnerable Pitcher's thistle (Cirsium pitcheri) on the shore of lake Michigan.
The Michigan Herp Atlas
The Michigan Herp Atlas provides a statewide, publicly accessible, editable database for the state of Michigan. Through the database, citizens can record their own past and present observations to help assess changes in populations over time and measure species health.
We are collecting observational data about Michigan’s native amphibians and reptiles (collectively known as herpetofauna or “herps”) so we can document their distribution and changes in their populations statewide. The database provides information about species presence and population trends for conservation planning and habitat management.
We take pride in our community. It gives us our motivation to observe, document and protect.
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Jim Harding Herpetologist, Michigan Amphibians and Reptile Technical Advisory Chair, and Lecturer Emeritus Michigan State University
“The Michigan Herpetological Atlas is a critical resource for conservation and management of amphibians and reptiles in our state! It is the only comprehensive database for all species of herpetofauna in Michigan. It has been a primary resource in evaluating the protective status of several rare and declining species for the State of Michigan. I encourage folks to contribute to this program!”
Several species that were recently common have experienced population declines or may be currently in decline. The Michigan Herp Atlas has become a valuable tool in monitoring these declining groups. This brochure can be printed and distributed to encourage people to submit to the Michigan Herp Atlas. Read More
This manual was created for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to provide a comprehensive guide to Best Management Practices (BMPs) to improve and maintain the viability of Michigan amphibian and reptile populations. This manual addresses threats to Michigan’s amphibian and reptile (i.e., herpetofauna) communities posed by development and conservation management practices. Read More
Least Concern (LC): The species is found across a large geographic region of the state and is considered relatively abundant. Continued monitoring is necessary to track trends and declines.
Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN): The species has low and/or declining populations and needs conservation action. Though not currently rare, they are declining in abundance and usually experiencing threats to their habitats or other resources. All species listed as special concern, threatened, or endangered are also considered SGCN.
Special Concern (SC): Any species that does not meet the criteria for being endangered or threatened but that is particularly vulnerable. These species could become endangered, threatened, or extirpated in the foreseeable future due to restricted distribution, low or declining numbers, specialized habitat needs or limits, or other factors.
Threatened (T): The species is vulnerable to becoming endangered within the near future.
Endangered (E): The species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.