Herpetological Resource and Management, LLC

08/07/2024

Michigan herpetofauna live in a variety of community types with supporting habitat features. Amphibians and reptiles are constrained by their physiology to occupy specific areas that provide these needed attributes. Basking structures are areas where they can warm themselves to regulate their body temperature. A shelter to retreat from the elements and predators is vital to survival. They also require foraging areas with suitable food sources and hibernacula to overwinter. All herps require nesting and egg laying sites, whether moist well-drained soils for reptiles or bodies of water for amphibians. These should all be considered when maintaining ecologically functional landscapes. **petology

05/07/2024

Meet our next new HRM team member, Emma Neyer. Emma is a graduate of Alma College with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in chemistry and dance. She is from Alma and has participated in multiple environmental stewardships in various National Parks. Her research includes looking at display responses of Galápagos Lava lizards (Microlophus bivittatus) to manipulation of male shoulder epaulets and the divergence in display structure between two populations of Galápagos Lava Lizards. In her free time, Emma enjoys traveling, being outdoors, cooking, and doing crafts. Emma is excited to help positively contribute to wildlife conservation and grow her knowledge within the field of biology. **petology

03/07/2024

The Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) is a beloved yet critically threatened species in Michigan. Known for its distinctive domed shell and vibrant patterns ranging from brown to black with yellow or orange markings, this terrestrial turtle inhabits a variety of habitats including forests, meadows, and wetlands. Unfortunately, habitat loss due to urbanization, road mortality, and illegal collection for the pet trade have significantly depleted their populations. Efforts to conserve the Eastern Box Turtle include habitat preservation, creation of wildlife corridors, and public education on responsible pet ownership and wildlife protection. With their slow reproductive rate and vulnerability to human activity, conservation efforts are crucial to ensuring the survival of this iconic species for future generations.

01/07/2024

The Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus) is the only lizard found throughout Michigan. This slender-bodied lizard typically displays dark brown or black bodies adorned with five yellowish or cream stripes running along their length, which fade with age in some individuals. They inhabit various habitats including woodlands and edges, favoring environments with ample hiding spots like logs, rocks, and leaf litter. Five-lined skinks are diurnal and primarily insectivorous, feeding on a diet that includes insects, spiders, and occasionally small invertebrates. Skinks are oviparous, meaning they reproduce via egg-laying and typically laying clutches of 5-18 eggs in moist, concealed locations. The Five-lined Skink is an important reptile that contributes to their habitat's biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics. **petology

28/06/2024

Meet our next new HRM team member, Hayley Mellon. Hayley is a graduate of Lake Superior State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. She is from Jackson, Michigan and participated in 4-H, STEM clubs, and volunteering during her childhood. Raising livestock jump-started her love for animals and community outreach. In her undergrad studies, she conducted a surveying project on American Kestrels in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. From her project, she was awarded Biology student of the year from Lake Superior State University. After her undergrad, she moved to Arizona for a year and participated in training at Arizona’s Conservation Corps. She has a love for all animals, but especially her dog, Layla, and her bearded dragon, Smaug. Hayley looks to further her knowledge in wildlife conservation practices and native herpetofauna in Michigan. **petology

26/06/2024

Monitoring post-project is crucial to assessing a project's success. Evaluation of project outcomes, including flora and fauna communities, can indicate which methods were the most successful and which can further be improved on to increase future project success. Measures of project success should include objective, quantitative, and repeatable data to provide reliable feedback. This feedback cycle helps to improve techniques used for sites with a specific set of conditions and drives better habitat restoration and management. H**petofauna should be monitored during times when species are most active to accurately gauge restoration success. Ideally at a minimum sampling would be conducted in late spring and late summer/early fall to maximize species and life stage detection. **petology

24/06/2024

Over half of the wetlands in Michigan have been destroyed or degraded from their pre-settlement condition. Wetland restoration and creation can have large-scale benefits – including improved social welfare, greenhouse gas mitigation, waterfowl recreation and can enhance population sustainability and connectivity of wildlife habitat. Although there are substantial gains associated with wetland restoration, the exact outcome of any wetland restoration is difficult to predict. Following some basic guidelines and principles in wetland restoration planning can help to ensure the restored wetland becomes a functional and valuable part of the ecosystem and provides habitat function and conservation value for herpetofauna and other wildlife. You can find details regarding these guidelines in our MI H**p BMP here: https://www.herprman.com/amphibian-reptile-management-practices-michigan/

21/06/2024

Meet our next new HRM team member, Kristin Pagel. Kristin is a recent graduate from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology, with a minor in Neuroscience and Behavior. Her interest in herpetofauna started at a young age catching frogs and snakes near her house. This led Kristin to pursue a degree in biology to further work with these amazing creatures. She has worked with the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point on lizard research in the Grand Canyon as well as some other lab research. Kristin enjoys painting, arts and crafts as well as socializing with her own reptiles in her free time.

19/06/2024

The Michigan H**petological Habitat Assessment Tool (MI H**p HAT) is a comprehensive resource designed to evaluate and monitor habitats crucial for reptiles and amphibians across Michigan's diverse landscapes. Developed in collaboration with wildlife biologists and conservation experts, MI H**p HAT integrates ecological data to assess habitat quality using amphibians and reptiles (i.e. herpetofauna) as a metric. H**petofauna help to maintain wetland ecosystems through important ecological services including, but not limited to, seed dispersal, soil aeration, shelter creation, and plant diversification. They also serve as critical predators, prey, and scavenger serving as critical roles in ecosystem function and maintaining strong biodiversity. Amphibians and reptiles are uniquely suited to serve as indicators of habitat quality because of their acute sensitivity to human disturbance and environmental change. This tool provides a standardized approach for land managers, researchers, and policymakers to make informed decisions regarding habitat conservation and restoration efforts. By mapping and analyzing habitat conditions, MI H**p HAT aids in prioritizing areas for protection and management, ultimately fostering sustainable practices that support Michigan's rich biodiversity of reptiles and amphibians. **pHAT **petology

17/06/2024

Effective land management for herpetofauna involves balancing habitat preservation and human land use activities to support the diverse needs of reptiles and amphibians. This includes maintaining habitats such as wetlands, forests, and grasslands, which are crucial for different species at various stages of their life cycles. Key strategies include minimizing habitat fragmentation, controlling invasive species that can disrupt ecosystems, and promoting habitat connectivity through corridors. These strategies are discussed in detail in our Michigan H**p BMP. Download a free copy here: https://www.herprman.com/amphibian-reptile-management-practices-michigan/

14/06/2024

Meet another new HRM team member, Anthony Ye. Anthony is a recent graduate of University of San Diego with a Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Behavior and Evolution. Anthony’s interest in herpetology started during my study abroad in Costa Rica and grew when he returned to California. His favorites are salamanders and snakes. Anthony has done research with the University of Michigan modeling European starlings decline and has participated in many field programs. He has worked in conservation with the UC San Diego Center on Global Justice using plants to improve communities in Tijuana, Mexico. Anthony enjoys hiking, botany, mycology, and entomology on the side. **petology

12/06/2024

Today, we are giving some tips to landowners on how to be a good turtle steward. Managing your yard to be turtle-friendly involves creating a welcoming habitat that provides food, shelter, and safety for these reptiles. First, consider maintaining a diverse range of vegetation, including native plants, shrubs, and groundcover, to offer hiding spots, foraging opportunities, and nesting sites. Avoid using pesticides and herbicides, as these chemicals can harm turtles and their food sources. Additionally, incorporate a water feature such as a shallow pond as many turtle species are aquatic or semi-aquatic, meaning they spend a significant portion of their lives in water. By implementing these practices, you can transform your yard into a turtle-friendly haven, supporting local turtle populations and contributing to the conservation of these fascinating creatures.

10/06/2024

It’s , and we get pretty excited about that here at HRM! 🐢🥳

Today, we celebrate all the important roles our Chelonian friends have within their ecosystems. Turtles are essential contributors to ecosystem health, particularly in Michigan's diverse aquatic habitats. Their role spans various ecological functions, including predator-prey dynamics, nutrient cycling, habitat engineering, seed dispersal, and serving as indicator species for environmental health.

As predators, they help control populations of invertebrates and maintain balance within food webs, while also providing food for larger predators.

Through their feeding habits, turtles enrich aquatic ecosystems by cycling nutrients and dispersing seeds, thus influencing vegetation dynamics and biodiversity.

Their nesting and basking behaviors contribute to habitat modification, creating microhabitats for other species.

Turtles' sensitivity to environmental changes makes them valuable indicators of ecosystem health, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to protect both turtle populations and their habitats, ensuring the resilience of freshwater ecosystems in Michigan and beyond. We are dedicated to supporting the turtle populations with our headstarting program!

07/06/2024

Meet our next new HRM team member, Gregory Brown. Gregory is a graduate of Ohio Northern University with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Field Biology. He has previously worked for a variety of organizations conducting herpetological research from New Mexico to Maine. Gregory also has experience working in the fields of invasive species management, white-tailed deer management, and restoration ecology. Outside of work, Gregory also enjoys hiking, fishing, and playing basketball. **petology

05/06/2024

🌍 Happy World Environment Day! 🌿🐍

At HRM, we are committed to preserving and protecting the environment for the well-being of all species with a special focus on Michigan’s herpetofauna population. We believe we have a responsibility to mitigate our impact on these imperiled species. **petology

04/06/2024

Another great feature of our ongoing project with Consumers Energy and SEA LIFE Aquarium!

Children of Consumers Energy employees recently joined the turtle release in Ingham County.

03/06/2024

So proud of these collaborative efforts with Consumers Energy and SEA LIFE Aquarium!

03/06/2024

HRM is grateful for the amazing collaborators who contribute to our conservation goals. SeaLife Aquarium, in particular, has been instrumental in assisting HRM with headstarting efforts for a number of years. These partnerships help us to have contingency plans in place to address any potential issues and allow us to share resources and knowledge.

You can read more about SeaLife’s role in the program by following this link: https://www.visitsealife.com/michigan/conservation/blandings-turtles

01/06/2024

We love to see this important collaborative conservation work with Consumers Energy and SEA LIFE Aquarium highlighted in the news cycle!

A team working with Consumer’s Energy to protect and manage wetland wildlife along the path of Consumer’s Energy construction projects.

31/05/2024

Meet our next new HRM team member, Scott Metzger. Scott is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science in Environment, with a concentration in Conservation Biology. With an interest in Wildlife Conservation instilled in him from an early age by TV shows, friends, and family, Scott has found a passion for keeping our wild places wild and enriching the earth’s biodiversity on all levels. Scott also advocates keeping hunting and fishing opportunities open for everyone and supports non-profits that protect and enrich the wild areas we all enjoy. In his free time, Scott enjoys finding spots in nature nobody has seen before, photographing any wildlife he can find, and telling anybody he can about what “cool animals” he saw and what they can do to help make sure future generations can see them.

**petology

29/05/2024

It’s , and who doesn’t love a Blanding’s Turtle?! Walking around with a permanent grin, these yellow-chinned cuties are a favorite species of ours! This long-lived turtle doesn’t reach sexual maturity until late into their second decade, so conservation methods must be taken to protect this species. **ptology

27/05/2024

Happy Memorial Day from HRM! While you are on the road meeting friends and family, please make sure you are keeping an eye out for turtles! Many females are on the move to nesting areas and with more people on the road they are at greater risk for injury or death! **petology

24/05/2024

Every Friday we’ll be introducing you to the new members of the HRM team! Beginning with Calvin Olson. Calvin is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Wildlife Biology and Management. From Grand Rapids, he spent his childhood exploring wooded areas behind his house catching frogs, salamanders and turtles. His love of herps lead him to the field of wildlife and natural resources conservation. Calvin looks to grow and continue his love for helping natural communities and the herpetofauna in them. In his free time Calvin enjoys playing sports, cooking, and various outdoor recreation activities **petology

23/05/2024

Happy ! One of our favorite tasks at HRM is managing our turtle headstarting program. We’re dedicated to giving these vulnerable species all the advantages we can to ensure they remain on the landscape.

22/05/2024

This figure illustrates an ideal landscape that can be managed or created to support herpetofauna richness and density. You can see the logs in a sunny, or partially sunny, location ideal for basking, cover, nesting, and hibernation. Depressions filled with rocks, rubble, and footballs make great hibernacula with basking opportunities. A variety of wetland types will support migrations, breeding foraging, hibernation, and various development stages. Rocks, along with emergent and submergent vegetation provide shelter, basking, and foraging for many species. Logs and branches in water bodies are basking habitats and are used by amphibians to adhere to their eggs. Sunny areas of loose, well-draining soil are ideal for turtle nesting and basking. You can refer to the MI H**p BMP for more details on habitat design. Download a copy here: https://www.herprman.com/amphibian-reptile-management-practices-michigan/

**petology **pFriendlyHabitat

20/05/2024

Habitat loss, from vernal pools to beech-maple forests, has resulted in fragmentation and the decline of numerous populations of plant and animal species. At HRM, we provide expert consultation services to government agencies, non-profits, and private clients. Protecting and restoring wildlife habitat and maximizing the potential for species use should be at the forefront of every land management project. That can range from habitat restoration to creation. **petology

17/05/2024

Once abundant, the Northern Leopard Frog population in Michigan has been in decline since the 1980s. They inhabit marshes, meadows, and the grassy edges of streams, lakes, and ponds. They can also be found in bogs, sedge meadows, hay fields, and damp yards. Please report this species and others to miherpatlas.org **petology

15/05/2024

We believe education and community involvement are key elements of environmental stewardship. HRM offers a variety of services intended to provide outstanding, unique training opportunities as well as excellent opportunities to involve citizens in protecting, restoring, and monitoring habitats. These services, in conjunction with existing projects, can foster environmental awareness, decrease project costs, and increase favorable opinions of changes made in the community. Please visit our website to learn more about the Training Workshops and HRM-Lead Stewardship Opportunities.

Follow this link: https://www.herprman.com/services/training-and-stewardship/

**petology

13/05/2024

Identification of herpetofauna habitat is essential to the protection and conservation of Michigan’s amphibians and reptiles. The potential habitats at a site largely depend on the number and size of natural communities that are present. Plants, animals, fungi, and detritus are all part of the natural community however the topography, water, soil, and rock are also important components of a habitat and should be surveyed for the potential features and functions they provide for amphibian and reptile species.

On larger sites that cannot easily be effectively surveyed on foot, general categories of natural communities often can be identified on aerial photographs. These photographs are available at no cost online (e.g., using Google Earth, Bing, etc.), and some sources provide historical images, which can enhance the understanding of the long-term ecological condition of the site. To a trained aerial interpreter, color differences in the images can be a good indication of what vegetation and hydrologic processes are present that could denote the presence of a particular community. Natural communities identified using aerial imagery must be field checked for accuracy confirmation.

Public and private natural resource professionals may be able to assist in identification of herpetofauna habitat and can work to create a strategic plan that balances primary objectives (development, maintenance, restoration, or ongoing stewardship activities) with the incorporation of wise natural resource management practices.

You can refer to Appendix A in our BMP to see what species are found in our different natural communities. Download a copy here: https://www.herprman.com/amphibian-reptile-management-practices-michigan/

10/05/2024

In 2014 HRM was contracted by the Village of Orchard Lake and the Orchard Lake Nature Sanctuary Board to conduct amphibian and reptile surveys within the Orchard Lake Nature Sanctuary. HRM previously conducted a herpetological assessment of the sanctuary in the summer of 2000 and spring of 2001. In conjunction with data collected during previous surveys, this study continued to build on a baseline assessment of herpetofauna richness within the site. The findings of these assessments provide qualitative and quantitative data that can be used to assist in management and restoration planning to improve overall habitat quality and function. **petologicalSurvey **ptology