Year of the Salamander Partners

Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC) is pleased to list those organizations and institutions that have partnered with us for the 2014 Year of the Salamander campaign. Our partners include any group that would like to join our 2014 campaign to advance salamander research, education, and conservation. We would like to highlight your group by linking to it here. Likewise, we encourage you to promote the Year of the Salamander by linking to our webpage and using our logo and materials (or developing your own) in your own outreach efforts. If you would like to become a partner with us, please e-mail yearofthesalamander@gmail.com to learn more about how you can participate!

PARC is an inclusive partnership dedicated to the conservation of reptiles and amphibians and their habitats. Members come from all walks of life, and this diversity of membership makes PARC the most comprehensive conservation effort ever undertaken for amphibians and reptiles.

The Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy

The Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports conservation of amphibians and reptiles. Our mission is to promote amphibian and reptile conservation, as well as efforts that support the mission of Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC) and their goals

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working around the world to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide.

Alaska Herpetological Society

The Alaska Herpetological Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the field of Herpetology in the State of Alaska. Our mission is to promote sound research and management of amphibians and reptiles in the North, to foster responsible pet ownership and to provide opportunities in outreach, education, and citizen science for individuals who are interested in these species.

Alpensalamander

We are a research group sitting in Salzburg-Austria. The program started 2010. The main goal is to map occurrence, population size and development of the Alpine and Fire Salamander. We take two approaches. First, we establish an oral history of Alpine Salamander observations in the past 50 years by conducting interviews in the local community, such as alpinists, farmers, National Park staff, mineral collectors, and hunters to preserve their well-versed local knowledge of the Salamander. Second, we check these regions for Salamander observations ourselves to explore their habitat and their ecology. We also investigate the relationship among these species and other amphibians. The project is carried out at the University of Salzburg in collaboration with several national parks, schools and research institutions across Europe. It is funded of the Ministry of science and research Austria. In the framework of the Sparkling Science project we collaborate with 25 partner schools (elementary, middle, and high schools) in Austria, Spain and Italy to clarify the distribution of Alpine and Fire Salamanders and protect these animals with the help of the children.

The Association of Reptilian & Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV)

ARAV is advancing reptilian and amphibian medicine, surgery and conservation worldwide. The ARAV is an international professional organization with the goal of improving reptilian and amphibian husbandry and veterinary care through education and research. The ARAV promotes conservation and humane treatment of all reptilian and amphibian species through education, captive breeding, and habitat preservation.

Association for the Conservation, Management and Sustainable Use of Wild Fauna and Flora BC Co

COMAFFASion for the Conservation, Management and Sustainable Use of Wild Fauna and Flora BC is a civil association formed by a multidisciplinary group of enthusiastic entrepreneurs and professionals with the goal of fostering care, outreach, conservation, research, training, management, and sustainable use of flora and fauna both in captivity and in the wild. COMAFFAS B.C. has produced and directed several projects around disclosure and awareness of Amphibians in Chiapas and Veracruz, providing workshops, courses and talks on amphibians and their importance to schools, forums and events focused on environmental issues.

Barro Jaguar, Photography and Conservation B.C.

Barro Jaguar, Photography and Conservation B.C. is a civil association whose main objective is to provide biodiversity education through photography, and thereby promote conservation. It is for this reason that Jaguar acts in favor of the conservation of amphibians, giving talks to school children about the great importance of amphibians in the environment, and why they need to conserve. Similarly, photographic exhibitions are mounted with various species of frogs in Oaxaca and Mexico, available to the general public to keep them motivated. Finally, Jaguar joins forces with other associations and groups to spread the importance of these organisms and promote their conservation, because if you do not act quickly, they will gradually be extinguished and disappear.

COATZIN

COATZIN is a multidisciplinary team of biologists, veterinarians, nature photographers, and environmental educators, concerned about the conservation of natural resources in Mexico. We have developed workshops focused environmental education knowledge of amphibians, as well as documentation of species that are cataloged in a conservation status by national and international standards, in addition to guides visual in collaboration with other agencies, exhibitions for dissemination and collective knowledge, and the development of projects to study wild populations, and manage a project Amphibian Mexico located on the platform of science literacy.

Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey

Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey’s mission is to actively conserve New Jersey’s biological diversity by maintaining and enhancing endangered, threatened, and nongame wildlife populations within healthy, functioning ecosystems.

Florida Museum of Natural History: Division of Herpetology

Florida Museum of Natural HistoryThe overall mission of the Florida Museum of Natural History is understanding, preserving and interpreting biological diversity and cultural heritage to ensure their survival for future generations. Our impact is inspiring people to value the biological richness and cultural heritage of our diverse world and make a positive difference in its future. The Florida Museum of Natural History is Florida’s official natural history museum and serves as the State repository for voucher specimens. The division of Herpetology collection is world-wide in scope, and at >223,000 specimens/specimen lots it is ranked #1 largest in the southeastern United States and #8 largest in North America. Our experience and interests include teaching and training students, conducting scientific research, and providing service to the public.

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (“MassWildlife”) is responsible for the conservation – including restoration, protection, and management – of fish and wildlife resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the public. Specifically, MassWildlife’s charge is the stewardship of all wild amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and freshwater and diadromous fishes in the state, as well as endangered, threatened, and special concern species, including native wild plants and invertebrates. Conservation of Massachusetts’ non-game species, including all salamander species, is led by MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. MassWildlife is committed to an evolving stewardship philosophy and to continued leadership in conservation and management of the environment.

Mid-Atlantic Center for Herpetology and Conservation

MACHAC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and study of amphibians and reptiles through advocacy, education, and execution of research by professional herpetologists and ecologists in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States. Major partners and funding sources for programs include the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natu…ral Resources, Natural Resources Conservation Service (US Department of Agriculture), United States Fish & Wildlife Service, and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Major MACHAC projects also include the study and recovery of state and federally-listed amphibians and reptiles, notably important initiatives centered on the Bog Turtle and Eastern Massasauga.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s mission is to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic, and cultural resources. The agency strives to conserve, protect and enhance these resources, as well as ecological and recreational resources, in a manner which will protect them for future generations. New York’s State Park system harbors some of the state’s most imperiled and significant biological treasures, including over 500 populations of threatened or endangered plant and animal populations and over 360 rare species and natural community types. Because the New York State Parks system protects a variety of habitats across the state, all salamander species found in the state are protected within its boundaries, including the State Endangered eastern tiger salamander.

Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey

The Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey (PARS) is an important state-sponsored atlas project which launched in 2013. PARS will determine the distribution and status of all amphibians and reptiles throughout Pennsylvania, building upon previous atlas efforts and combining modern technology with an army of citizen scientists known as “herpers” (herpetology is the study of amphibians and reptiles, and herps is slang for amphibians and reptiles). The project is a joint venture between the PA Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) and the Mid-Atlantic Center for Herpetology and Conservation (MACHAC), funded by the PFBC (via the US Fish & Wildlife Service’s State Wildlife Grants Program), the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Wildlife Resources Conservation Program), and MACHAC.

Siena College

Siena College is a learning community advancing the ideals of a liberal arts education, rooted in its identity as a Franciscan and Catholic institution. Siena College students, faculty, and staff are working on various aspects of the Year of the Salamander campaign to promote the awareness and appreciation for salamanders and their conservation.

The Wilderness Center

The Wilderness Center is a non-profit nature center is Northeast Ohio dedicated to education, conservation, natural history research, and community service.

Amphibian Specialist Group

The Amphibian Specialist Group is a global network of dedicated experts who donate their time and expertise to create a community from where practical amphibian conservation can be advanced based on a solid foundation of science. This global network consists of over 300 members in over 40 Regions/Countries enabling the ASG to act on a global scale. The ASG strives to conserve biological diversity by stimulating, developing, and executing practical programs to conserve amphibians and their habitats around the world.

Amphibian Survival Alliance

The Amphibian Survival Alliance is the world’s largest partnership for amphibian conservation, formed in response to the decline of frogs, salamanders and caecilians worldwide. Without immediate and coordinated action we stand to lose half of some 7,000 species of amphibians in our lifetimes. The ASA draws on cutting-edge research to protect amphibians and key habitats worldwide, in addition to educating and inspiring the global community to become a part of the amphibian conservation movement.

Amphibian Ark

AArk is a joint effort of three principal partners: the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the IUCN SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, and the Amphibian Survival Alliance. We were formed to address the captive (ex situ) components of the Amphibian Conservation Action Plan. Our vision is the world’s amphibians safe in nature, and our mission is ensuring the global survival of amphibians, focusing on those that cannot currently be safeguarded in nature. We coordinate amphibian conservation programs implemented by partners (zoos, aquariums, museums, universities and private conservationists) around the world, with our primary emphasis on programs within the range countries of the species, and with a constant attention to our obligation to couple captive conservation measures with necessary efforts to protect or restore species in their natural habitats.

AmphibiaWeb

AmphibiaWeb is an online system enabling anyone online to search and retrieve information relating to amphibian biology and conservation. This site was inspired by the global declines of amphibians, the study of which has been hindered by the lack of multidisplinary studies and a lack of coordination in monitoring, in field studies, and in lab studies. We hope AmphibiaWeb will encourage a shared vision for the study of global amphibian declines and the conservation of remaining amphibians.

Art.Science.Gallery.

Art.Science.Gallery. is an art gallery and science communication space dedicated to art-science fusion of all kinds. Located in Austin, Texas, we are one of the nation’s first art galleries to feature exclusively science-related artworks! We encourage people of all ages to explore contemporary art and basic science in a fun and relaxed environment. We welcome anyone along the great spectrum of artists and scientists to explore and participate in Art.Science.Gallery.! As an official partner of PARC, Art.Science.Gallery. (Austin, TX) is hosting a group exhibition of artworks inspired by salamanders! Artworks in the exhibition will address the role of salamanders in the natural and changing world, including aesthetic, cultural, economic, educational and scientific aspects of their biology and natural history. Works may also explore datasets about salamander populations, species relationships or biogeography. The exhibition will be held May 24 – June 22, 2014, and is intended to enhance public understanding of salamanders, their diversity, and the importance of science and conservation.

BHHU- ATRA

ATRA is the first herpetological Association founded in Bosnia and Hercegovina in the year 2013. ATRA will be mainly involved in solving problems related to the lack of existing data and resources for qualitative studies considering : research, monitoring and protection of BiH herpetofauna as well as in defining and establishing regulations regarding Natural Resources management in BiH. Currently the Association is conducting a project regarding distribution and conservation of the black salamander from mountain Prenj.

Blue Lion Training

Blue Lion Training LogoBlue Lion Training is dedicated to America’s natural resource professionals, students and institutions by providing the most comprehensive field training available. This is accomplished through college credit courses, professional field courses, online MOOCHs and weekend based courses.

Carolina Box Turtles

Carolina Box Turtles is a non-profit Box Turtle rescue, rehabilitation, education, research, and conservation group that is located in the Western Piedmont of North Carolina. We promote awareness and interest in the Eastern Box Turtle, we promote the helping of box turtles cross roadways, and we promote leaving them wild and not collecting them for pets. We participate in different educational events, providing hands-on experiences with Box Turtles and disseminating information.

Center for Biological Diversity

At the Center for Biological Diversity, we believe that the welfare of human beings is deeply linked to nature — to the existence in our world of a vast diversity of wild animals and plants. Because diversity has intrinsic value, and because its loss impoverishes society, we work to secure a future for all species, great and small, hovering on the brink of extinction. We do so through science, law and creative media, with a focus on protecting the lands, waters and climate that species need to survive. We want those who come after us to inherit a world where the wild is still alive.

Chopsticks For Salamanders

Chopsticks for Salamanders (CFS) is a non-profit organization that provides funding for salamander research, education and conservation. The organization is supported by three founding American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) chapters: the Bronx Zoo, the National Zoo and the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. CFS mission has three significant goals: to disseminate information about the production of disposable chopsticks; to increase awareness about salamander diversity in the United States; and to raise money for salamander conservation, education and research.

Columbus Zoo

Home to more than 10,000 animals representing over 575 species from around the globe, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads and inspires by connecting people and wildlife. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Course. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also operates the Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. It is a regional attraction with global impact; contributing more than $1 million annually to support over 70 conservation projects worldwide. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Columbus Zoo has earned Charity Navigator’s prestigious 4-star rating.

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Wildlife Division (CT DEEP)

CT DEEP Wildlife Division is a state agency that has developed a number of programs to manage wildlife and contribute to diversified and healthy wildlife populations throughout the state. The CT DEEP Wildlife Division is engaged in a comprehensive outreach and education effort to make the public more aware of the wildlife that can be found throughout the state.

Crawford Park District

The Crawford Park District, located in north-central Ohio, is focused on preservation through education. We seek to raise awareness and appreciation for the environment by offering programs to people of all ages. Education today…..Preservation tomorrow.

Davidson College Herpetology Lab

The Davidson College Herpetology Laboratory is actively involved in salamander conservation through our outreach programs and research focusing on anthropogenic impacts on salamander populations. Our research on wetland-dependent species provides information important for habitat management. Our studies of urbanization effects and potential mitigation strategies for stream salamanders provides clear evidence of human’s impact on stream ecosystems. The Davidson College Herpetology Outreach Program reaches thousands of people each year and helps the public to understand, appreciate, and conserve our natural resources, including salamanders.

The Friends of the Cache River Watershed

The Friends of the Cache River Watershed is a non-profit citizens’ group that promotes natural resource conservation throughout the Cache River Watershed in southern Illinois. We work together with landowners and members of the Joint Venture Partnership, which includes Ducks Unlimited, Inc., Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Natural Resource Conservation Service, The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Together we share a common goal to protect and restore 60,000 acres along a 50-mile corridor of the Cache River.

Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont

Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont provides in-depth experiences through education programs that celebrate ecological and cultural diversity, foster stewardship, and nurture appreciation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. “Connecting people and nature” summarizes our mission, which we accomplish by providing hands-on learning experiences in the National Park, helping people develop: a greater sense of place; a deepened appreciation and awe for the diversity of life and people; and an ethic of stewardship that follows them home.

Harris Center for Conservation Education

The Harris Center for Conservation Education (www.harriscenter.org) is a non-profit land trust and environmental education organization located in southwestern New Hampshire. We are dedicated to promoting understanding and respect for our natural environment through education of all ages, direct protection and exemplary stewardship of the region’s natural resources, and programs that encourage active participation in the great outdoors. Our teacher-naturalists work with 2,500 students in nearly 30 schools each year, integrating place-based nature education (on topics including, but not limited to, salamanders and vernal pools) into K-12 curricula. We also provide over 100 lectures, film showings, and guided outings for the general public each year, including a suite of amphibian-focused programs in the spring. Lastly, our citizen science arm (www.aveo.org) coordinates the locally-celebrated Salamander Crossing Brigades and volunteer vernal pool inventories. Since 2007, our citizen scientists have documented 130 vernal pools, and saved over 15,000 migratory amphibians from the crush of the tire!

Heritage Conservancy

Based in Doylestown, PA, Heritage Conservancy is a nationally accredited conservator and community-based organization committed to the preservation and protection of significant open spaces, natural resources and historic structures. A champion of conservation best practices, Heritage Conservancy is dedicated to the idea that everyone is responsible for stewardship and seeks to enlighten, engage, and empower others to help achieve this mutual vision. Recognizing the importance of protecting our salamanders, Heritage Conservancy started the Quakertown Swamp Amphibian Rescue Partnership. At the end of every winter, this partnership helps to provide safe passage for salamanders and other amphibians across a busy road in order to get to vernal pools on the other side to breed.

The HERP Project

Herpetology Education in Rural Places and Spaces (The HERP Project, funded by NSF ISE Grant # DRL-1114588) consists of four threads (Celebrations, Cyberhub,Herpetology Research Experiences, and Studies) to support educational, conservation and field ecology experiences related to herpetology. The HERP Project’s goals include:

  • Igniting a passion for NC’s reptiles and amphibians,
  • Developing a sense of place and a connection to the local environment,
  • Engaging people in conservation and field ecology experiences, and
  • Promoting the public’s participation in scientific research

Highlands Biological Station

More species of salamanders exist in the southern Appalachian Mountains than anywhere else in the world, and nowhere are they more abundant. For more than 85 years the Highlands Biological Station, located in Highlands, North Carolina has served as a world-renowned facility for salamander research. Throughout the years, many classic studies of have been conducted by numerous researchers through HBS and in the surrounding Nantahala National Forest. Dr. Richard Bruce, director of the Station from 1972-1999, published prolifically during and after his tenure at HBS on various aspects of salamander biology. For decades, Highlands Biological Station has also offered the popular summer field courses “Biology of Plethodontid Salamanders” and “Conservation Biology of Amphibians,” and continues to serve as an important base of operations for the work of many graduate students and visiting scientists.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

The Department of Natural Resources leads Maryland in securing a sustainable future for our environment, society, and economy by preserving, protecting, restoring, and enhancing the State’s natural resources.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources – Nongame Wildlife Program

To protect, maintain, enhance, and restore native nongame wildlife resources for their intrinsic values, ecosystem functions, and long term benefits.

Nature Abounds

natureaboundsNature Abounds is a national 501c3 non-profit organization that’s focus is bringing people together for the planet, specifically through environmental volunteerism and stewardship. Among Nature Abounds’ programs are IceWatch USA, Watch the Wild, the Senior Environment Corps, Turtle Ambassadors, Climate Change Ambassadors, and Knitters for Nature’s Critters.

New Jersey Audubon

The New Jersey Audubon Society is a privately supported, not-for profit, statewide membership organization. Founded in 1897, and one of the oldest independent Audubon societies, New Jersey Audubon has no connection with the National Audubon Society. New Jersey Audubon fosters environmental awareness and a conservation ethic among New Jersey’s citizens; protects New Jersey’s birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, other animals, and plants, especially endangered and threatened species; and promotes preservation of New Jersey’s valuable natural habitats. New Jersey Audubon Education department has been coordinating Amphibian crossing with other partners since 2003 and New Jersey Audubon Stewardship Department performs and/or assists with large scale habitat restorations on private and public lands for a variety of wildlife including enhancing and /or restoration vernal pool and other wetland/woodland habitats across NJ. Salamander species that benefit from these restoration include, but are not limited to, are spotted salamander, Jefferson salamander, long-tail salamander, marble salamander, eastern tiger salamander, blue-spotted salamander.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC)

The Mission of NYSDEC is to conserve, improve and protect New York’s natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic and social well-being. As part of this mission, NYSDEC manages rare species such as the eastern hellbender to keep their populations secure. In addition to population surveys, habitat enhancement and protection, work with hellbenders also includes a successful headstarting program in cooperation with the Buffalo Zoo. The headstarting program, started in 2009 to address decreases in juvenile hellbenders seen on surveys, has been successful in taking egg masses found in western New York and rearing them into 600 larvae at the Buffalo Zoo and partner facilities the Bronx and Ross Park Zoos. To date, over 100 animals aged 2 years or older have been released back into western New York rivers, where monitoring is ongoing.

North American Association for Environmental Education

For more than four decades, NAAEE has been a leader in promoting excellence in environmental education throughout North America. It is the only national membership organization dedicated to strengthening the field of environmental education and increasing the visibility and effectiveness of the profession. NAAEE’s influence stretches across North America and around the world. These members are professionals with environmental education responsibilities and interests across business, government, higher education, formal (K–12) education, nonformal education, early childhood education, science education and STEM, and other sectors of society.

Ontario Nature

Ontario Nature protects wild species and wild spaces through conservation, education and public engagement. It connects thousands of individuals and communities with nature through more than 150 conservation groups across the province of Ontario.

Opacum Land Trust

Opacum Land Trust is a volunteer run land conservation organization and works within 13 south-central Massachusetts towns. The land trust is named after the marbled salamander (Ambystoma opacum) as this threatened species spurred the creation of the land trust in the year 2000. Currently Opacum has permanently protected over 1,000 acres of land. Our flagship property, Opacum Woods in Sturbridge, was acquired to protect habitat for our namesake.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

For nearly 40 years, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has connected individuals, families and groups with the world’s wildlife and wild places. Riverbanks is a special purpose district governed by the Riverbanks Park Commission, which consists of seven members, two appointed by Richland County Council, two by Lexington County Council, two by the City of Columbia, and one jointly by the three entities. It is the mission of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden to foster appreciation and concern for all living things.

Orianne Society

The Orianne Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of imperiled snakes; an important groups of wildlife that are largely overlooked and the conservation of which is underfunded. The Orianne Society has used a multifaceted approach, including a Land Management and Protection Program, a Captive Breeding and Reintroduction Program, an applied Conservation Science Program, and an Education Outreach Program all aimed towards conserving flagship snake species across the United States and abroad. We use science to inform our on-the-ground conservation work, to monitor species populations and to measure the impact our efforts are having on the conservation of these species and their habitats.

The rare Charitable Research Reserve

Founded in 2001, the rare Charitable Research Reserve is a 900+acre land reserve situated in southern Ontario, Canada. The reserve is not only a beautiful and culturally significant landscape, but includes trees more than 240 years old and provides a diversity of habitats that supports rich biodiversity. This pristine landscape is home to an incredible array of flora and fauna, some of which are ranked significant regionally, provincially, nationally, even globally. The lands at rare and their proximity to urban development make them important sites for conducting ecological monitoring. As an important indicator species, salamanders have been monitored at rare since 2006 and have provided invaluable information on the health of the forest ecosystem in the face of agriculture and development pressures.

Reptile, Amphibian and Fish Conservation Netherlands (RAVON)

The aim of RAVON is to increase the number of sustainable populations of amphibians, reptiles and freshwater fish in the Netherlands. Our work is based on research and uses best conservation practices. As an independent NGO, we also influence regional and national policy to achieve this goal. We collaborate closely with universities and other NGOs and we are supported by more than 2,000 volunteers in collecting long-term population data.

Saratoga PLAN

Saratoga PLAN is a not-for-profit land trust that works to preserve the rural character, natural habitats and scenic beauty of Saratoga County so that these irreplaceable assets are accessible to all and survive for future generations. We help landowners conserve their farmland, woodlands and natural habitats, and work to connect people to nature through an extensive trail network and 10 public nature preserves, for hiking, biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and kayaking.

Save the Salamanders

Save The Salamanders is a project created and run by Matt Ellerbeck (a.k.a. The Salamander Man), who is a salamander advocate & conservationist. The mission of Save The Salamanders is to help contribute to the conservation of these amphibians to ensure their continuing survival. This means the recovery and protection of threatened and endangered salamander species, their critical habitats, and their declining populations. The main objective of STS is to achieve the above goals by getting individuals of all ages and all walks of life involved with the recovery of these amphibians via behavioral changes, informed decision making, stewardship actions, and habitat management efforts. This is achieved through awareness and education, which helps people develop a sense of empathy and concern for salamanders, and this in turn will fuel their desire to become active in their preservation and advancement. Education and awareness is made through the utilization of several platforms. These include media appearances, awareness campaigns, social networking, the distribution of informative fact sheets, and educational presentations/lectures.

Serbian Herpetological Society

Serbian Herpetological Society “Milutin Radovanović” is a non-profit professional organization dedicated to faunistic research and population studies of reptiles and amphibians in the Balkan Peninsula. Also, we analyze patterns of behavioural and morphological variability among the populations of tortoises and other species under survey. Another crucial mission of our society is education of various focal groups (e.g. schoolchildren, managers of protected areas). In previous years, we’ve established cooperation with colleagues from other ex-Yugoslav countries, and with researchers from France, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria. In future we intend to widen and strengthen the network of people working on same species and similar questions throughout the Balkan Peninsula.

Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles

SSAR, a not-for-profit organization established to advance research, conservation, and education concerning amphibians and reptiles, was founded in 1958. It is the largest international herpetological society, and is recognized worldwide for having the most diverse program of publications, meetings, and other activities.

Societas Herpetologica Italica

The Societas Herpetologica Italica (S.H.I.) is a non-profit professional organization, founded in 1993, dedicated to research, management and conservation of reptiles and amphibians in Italy. Among its goals are to promote education and awareness in herpetofauna. The official journal of the S.H.I., Acta Herpetologica, publishes original works – extended articles, short notes and book reviews –in English, dealing with the biology and diversity of Amphibians and Reptiles.

The Biodiversity Group

The Biodiversity Group is an international team of wildlife biologists, educators, and photographers dedicated to preserving the smaller majority of animal life on Earth. Rooted in the science of ecology, we illuminate little known communities of animals in shrinking wild places. Salamanders embody the kind of poorly known but ecologically and scientifically important organisms that we study. At our study sites in Ecuador, we are in the process of documenting the diversity of terrestrial salamanders (family Plethodontidae), which is only beginning to be understood. The ultimate goal is to help manage and protect important habitats across the landscape, ensuring the continued survival of the diversity of salamanders and other organisms that form the ecosystems.

The Black Mudpuppy

The Black Mudpuppy is a web-based comic book about the adventures of an Aztec god trapped in the body of a paedomorphic salamander. Drawn by life-long herpetology enthusiast Ethan Kocak, the comic has been featured on Scientific American and Wired Science’s websites. Despite that, it’s not nearly as educational as it sounds. In any case, it’s a fun, snarky comic about obscure perennibranchiate amphibians.

The Wandering Herpetologist

The Wandering Herpetologist is dedicated to providing news, facts, and educational information about amphibians and reptiles. TWH believes in conservation through education. Our goal is to dispel misplaced fears and myths about amphibians and reptiles and to encourage people to learn more about these fascinating organisms.

The Wildlife Society

The Wildlife Society was founded in 1937 and is a non-profit scientific and educational association of nearly 11,000 professional wildlife biologists and managers, dedicated to excellence in wildlife stewardship through science and education. Our mission is to represent and serve the professional community of scientists, managers, educators, technicians, planners, and others who work actively to study, manage, and conserve wildlife and its habitats worldwide.

Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas

The Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas gathers and disseminates data on the reptiles and amphibians of Vermont in a way that involves and informs Vermont individuals and organizations so that they will become more informed and effective stewards of wildlife habitat.

Vernal Pool Association

The Vernal Pool Association’s goal is to encourage the appreciation, protection, and interdisciplinary study of vernal pools, particularly by students. To meet this objective, we produce educational materials, present workshops and talks, and interact with educators and students both in person and through the internet. We are actively involved with state, federal and private environmental protection and education agencies and organizations. Our website, “The Vernal Pool,” is our on-line effort at education and outreach.

Wake County Parks Recreation and Open Space

Wake County Parks Recreation and Open Space’s (PROS) mission is to provide outdoor recreation and educational opportunities while promoting environmental and cultural stewardship. PROS manages eight park facilities comprising approximately 2,000 acres in Raleigh, NC and surrounding areas. We also manage nearly 5,000 acres of permanent open space. To celebrate the Year of the Salamander, participating locations will provide opportunities to learn about salamanders through themed programs and activities during the month of March.

Where The Wolves Once Roamed

With the rise of civilization and especially industrialized society, the earth and its other inhabitants have faced many threats. An increase in the use of natural resources for human use has decreased the amount of resources available for other species. Species are going extinct at a shocking rate as pollution, poaching, and encroachment take their toll. The purpose of this blog is to let the public and students learn about wildlife biology and conservation. Whether you’re thinking about pursuing wildlife biology as a career or are just curious about the field, hopefully this blog will answer questions and open eyes.

PARC is an all-inclusive partnership. PARC encourages participation and involvement with the partnership by any agency, individual, or group that is engaged in amphibian and reptile population or habitat conservation. However, this involvement doesn’t imply that PARC partners endorse all PARC activities, nor does it imply that PARC supports or endorses all activities that partner agencies, individuals or groups undertake. In particular, PARC as a partnership, does not engage in political advocacy given that its membership includes governmental agencies, and as such, will not, as a partnership, support or endorse such activities. However, agencies, individuals or groups that are not restricted from such participation and happen to be affiliated with PARC may participate in these activities as they wish, as long as they do not suggest that they are conducting such activities under the auspices of PARC.