Sadly, zoos and conservation organizations are not up to the task of averting the extinction crisis facing the world's reptiles and amphibian...they simply do not have enough time, resources and expertise. "Citizen Science" projects, once considered as useful adjuncts to formal research efforts, have now taken on great importance, and are becoming mainstream in many regions. If you've always wanted to work with herps but cannot do so via your career, such programs are wonderful opportunities to have fun while doing important work!

The Partnership for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC) (http://www.parcplace.org/) presents a unique opportunity for hobbyists and others to assist professional herpetologists.  The organization is unique and far-sighted, in that it focuses on common as well as rare amphibians and reptiles.  Membership is open to all interested persons.

PARC working groups are established to address species native to each of 6 geographic regions in the North America, and volunteers are always welcome.  Recent initiatives range from monitoring smooth green snake populations to assessing vernal pond habitats.

Frog and salamander enthusiasts can participate in the National Wildlife Federation’s “Project Frogwatch” (www.nwf.org/frogwatchUSA) or the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (www.pwrc.usgs.gov/naamp).  Amphibian deformities, an increasingly common concern, can be reported at www.nbii.gov/portal/server.pt.

State wildlife agencies often support volunteer-based conservation initiatives.  Links to the individual agencies of each state may be found at http://www.fishwildlife.org/ or on the PARC website noted above.

Speaking as one who has engaged in numerous citizen science projects, I wholeheartedly recommend giving these or similar conservation efforts a try. Who knows, you may be inspired to quit that boring office job and follow your passion into a new career!  

Good luck and enjoy, Haiden

Photos:

1. Never too early to start! Here I'm helping my zoologist uncle, who volunteers his time, identify confiscated box turtles

2. Surveying vernal (temporary) ponds in NY to access the health of wood frogs (shown here in amplexus), spotted salamanders , spring peepers and other early spring breeders that use these tiny, often overlooked habitats. 

3. Marine turtle researchers were among the first to realize the value of volunteer assistance. Today thousands of people help out in countries around the world. My uncle is pictured here with a leatherback turtle on St. Croix, where he guided a group of 6 citizens scientists in a tagging/egg relocation effort.