The New Jersey Herpetile Atlas, headed by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife's Endangered & Nongame Species Program (ENSP), is a quantitative survey of all reptile and amphibian species throughout the state. The atlas is a part of New Jersey's Landscape Project which is designed to provide active management and habitat protection through the cooperative efforts of land managers, state regulators, local planners and citizens.

The Herp Atlas, through the efforts of ENSP and its many volunteers, is collecting data on the specific location and abundance of all reptile and amphibian species in the state. This data will be used to map the critical habitat, abundance, and distribution of our state's herp species. These maps will provide ENSP with the necessary data to inform planning agencies statewide of the status of New Jersey's native herp species, thus allowing all agencies to better plan for our state's wildlife conservation.

How Can You Help?

Anyone interested in herps is welcome to become a Herp Atlas Volunteer. Herp Atlas participation can be great fun for outdoor enthusiasts, teachers, and families. If you would like us to send you information on the project and how to get involved, or if you are already helping and are in need of a new block(s), maps, data sheets, or calling amphibian tapes, please give us a call at the ENSP office at 609-628-2103 or e-mail Dave Golden at: dgolden@gtc3.com.

Herp Atlas Volunteers

The role of volunteers in a project such as this is critical. Funding for the Herp Atlas comes from the Tax Check-Off for wildlife, the Conserve Wildlife license plates and direct donations. Therefore, the fieldwork conducted and donations given by our volunteers are priceless.

The success of this program is directly tied to the enthusiasm of the volunteer task force that has come forth willing to help. These are people that use their own free time to explore New Jersey, in search of herps, in hopes that their efforts will help conserve New Jersey's reptiles and amphibians.

Each volunteer receives an information packet and selects an area, or block, to survey. Then, it is time to have some fun. Surveying for reptiles and amphibians can make for an adventuresome outing, often through some of the most beautiful habitat that New Jersey has to offer. Thus far, due to their dedication and concern for the conservation of New Jersey's herptile species, Herp Atlas volunteers have made this a very fruitful project.

Herp Atlas Volunteer Training Manual (pdf, 215kb)