Pennsylvania Herpetological Education and Resource Project – 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.
Pennslyvania Herp Identification – an identification guide to Pennsylvania amphibians and reptiles that includes lots of photographs, information on habitat, identifying characteristics and a range map. Created by Jason Poston, a freelance visual communications expert and photographer,field herpetologist, and regular contributer to the PA Online Herp Atlas.
Cortland Herpetology Connection - keys to amphibians and reptiles of New York. Maintained by the State University of New York at Cortland.
Online Field Guide for Reptiles and Amphibians – identification information for reptiles and amphibians of New Jersey. Maintained by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Checklist of Amphibian Species and Identification Guide – an online guide to the amphibians of North America. Maintained by the United State Geological Survey Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center.
Vernal Pools – identification information for amphibians and turtles that are found in and near temporary ponds. Maintained by the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History.
Suggested Books:
A Field Guide to Reptiles & Amphibians of Eastern & Central North America (Peterson Field Guide Series) by Roger Conant and Joseph T. Collins. Published by Houghton Mifflin; 4 edition (May 15, 1998).
Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast by Arthur C. Hulse, Clarence J. McCoy, and Ellen J. Censky. Published by Comstock Publishing (May 2001).
Multimedia:
The Amphibians of Pennsylvania by Tom Diez. The DVD covers 23 species of salamanders and 17 species of toads and frogs that have been found in Pennsylvania. Included with the DVD is an informative booklet containing species accounts, descriptions and a glossary.
The Snakes of Pennsylvania by Tom Diez. The DVD covers the 21 species of snakes found in Pennsylvania. Included with the DVD is an informative booklet containing species accounts, descriptions and a glossary.
Tom is an outstanding naturalist who has a long history of excellent nature photography in PA. I have seen the DVDs and they are quite good. The many close-up views of different color morphs and life history stages will aid greatly in learning to identify PA amphibians and snakes. The cost of the DVDs are$45 each (plus Pennsylvania State Sales Tax where applicable) and includes first class postage, shipping, handling and delivery confirmation. For ordering information contact Tom at dieztnh4@comcast.net.
