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Blog: Citizen Science Projects, People, and Perspectives
Citizen Science for herptile fans!
By Arvind Suresh, Jul 28, 2015
Photo: Eva Lewandowski
Amphibians and reptiles, also known asherptiles or herps, are the focus of many citizen science projects.
If you like frogs, turtles, and salamanders, just to name a few, join one of the projects below to help us better understand the distribution and population status of these wonderful creatures!
The Reptiles and Amphibians of Southern California project studies both native and non-native species. If you’re in southern California, take picture or sound recording of a frog, lizard, or any other herp and submit it online! Read more about the project on the SciStarter blog.
Many frogs can be identified by their calls; FrogWatch USA teaches citizen scientists to identify frogs in their area and report their presence online. The data are then made accessible to anyone who is interested!
Non-native geckos are expanding throughout the south and southwest of the United States. Help scientists better understand invasion biology and the expansion of these species by reporting gecko sightings online.
In order to track changes in Michigan’s herp populations over times, volunteers are needed to record their reptiles and amphibian sightings. Current and past observations are accepted, and reports from seldom monitored parts of the state are especially encouraged.
Throughout New Hampshire, salamanders travel to small ponds each spring to breed. Many have to cross dangerous roads to make it to the breeding sites. Citizen scientists help the amphibians safely cross roads while recording information on the species and abundance of animals. Read more about the project on the SciStarter blog.
NASA and SciStarter are enlisting citizen scientists for nationwide research that examines soil moisture conditions and water availability. Sign up by August 8 to learn more!
Our pals at Science Cheerleader just published a free eBook on iTunes. The Science of Cheerleading explains basic physics and engineering concepts AND connects America’s 3 million cheerleaders to citizen science!
Arvind Suresh is science communicator and a former laboratory biologist, he has a Master’s degree in Cell Biology and Molecular Physiology from the University of Pittsburgh. He enjoys reading, teaching, talking and writing science. Connect with him on Twitter @suresh_arvind.
