The Maryland Coastal Bays Program recently held two volunteer surveys to assess the species diversity of reptiles and amphibians in the area, commonly referred to as herps. Over 40 volunteers participated in the surveys, which took place at Ilia Fehrer Nature Preserve in Berlin and Showell Nature Preserve. The group found a variety of herp species, including frogs, toads, snakes, turtles, and salamanders.
According to Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps member Kelsey Poisal, herps are essential to the health of local ecosystems, acting as indicator species that can help track changes in environment health over time. Amphibians, in particular, are sensitive to pollution and environmental degradation, making their presence a sign of a healthy ecosystem.
Poisal’s initiative to bring herps back into focus with these surveys was well-received, with the goal of educating volunteers about the importance of reptiles and amphibians within an ecosystem. She created a field guide about herps in Maryland’s coastal bays and organized an outreach program about protecting diamondback terrapin nests.
The information gathered from the surveys will be used to better understand and protect the local ecosystem, potentially leading to habitat restoration efforts if species presence declines in the future. With the success of these surveys, the Maryland Coastal Bays Program plans to incorporate herps into future environmental education programs to further engage the public in conservation efforts.
For more information on the results of the surveys and upcoming programs, visit the Maryland Coastal Bays Program’s official website.
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Photo credit baysideoc.net
