Resources
Page contents
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Field Guides and other published works focusing on the Midwest
Newsletters
Wondering what MWPARC has been up to? Check out our quarterly newsletters.
Newsletters from the previous year
Publications
Both National and Midwest PARC project teams and members collaborate on products throughout the year. Midwest PARC's goal is for these products to be practical and help advance our understanding of amphibian and reptile conservation and management.
Check out a variety of PARC products linked below.
National PARC products
A Wildlife Trafficking Crisis Close to Home
Turtles are trafficked internationally and across the United States, including species native to the Midwestern US. This document outlines partnerships which PARC is involved with to stop the illegal turtle trade.
Midwest PARC products
Best Management Practices: Crawfish Frog
Crawfish Frogs, a species in the south central United States, have experienced a 35% decline in their range due to habitat loss, particularly in grasslands and wetlands. They show resilience by recolonizing restored areas with specific habitat features, but the loss of these elements can quickly lead to local extinctions and fragmented populations. Read through this Best Management Practices document for suggestions about how to conserve this species.
Field Herpetology Etiquette
Searching for reptiles and amphibians in their natural habitat can be an educational and rewarding pastime. However, over-collecting for the pet trade, habitat destruction, and emerging diseases are all very real threats to our herpetological fauna. Before you venture out, please consider the following tips. It is our responsibility to protect both the animals and their habitat.
Habitat Management Guidelines, 2 ed.
Habitat alteration, fragmentation and loss are collectively considered to be the primary challenges to the viability of many populations of amphibians and reptiles (herps). In 2002, Midwest PARC was the first region to publish a regional habitat management guidelines (HMG) book for amphibians and reptiles. This award-winning series now covers most of the United States, providing proactive guidance for improving the compatibility of land management practices with herps in mind. The Midwest HMG was revised and expanded in 2012.
Blanding's Turtle Conservation Assessment 2010
The Blanding's Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) is a medium-sized freshwater turtle documented from 10 of the 14 states in the Midwest. The 2010 MW PARC meeting focused on the biology, conservation, and management of Blanding's Turtles, which is where the results of the Conservation Assessment Survey were first presented.
Fire and Herps 2008
Prescribed fire is a useful tool for helping to manage habitat by impeding successional change and controlling invasive plants. Consequently, it is also valuable for increasing suitable habitat for amphibians and reptiles. Under some circumstances, though, fire can also be damaging to resident populations of reptiles and amphibians. In response to discussions at the 2008 annual meeting, MW PARC developed this white paper outlining the concerns and recommendations for prescribed burning and herps. David Mifsud (DMifsud@HerpRMan.com) was the leader of this task team.
Download a PDF of the 2008 Prescribed Burning Guidelines for Amphibians and Reptiles.
Raccoons and Herps 2008
Increased populations of subsidized predators can have detrimental effects on some herp species. In response to discussions at the 2008 annual meeting, MWPARC developed a white paper outlining the concerns and recommendations for dealing with raccoons. The leader of this task team was Kent Bekker (kbekker@gmail.com).
Download a PDF of the 2008 Raccoon and Turtle Conservation document (and associated literature).
Turtle Regulations 2008
In response to discussions about turtle regulations at the 2008 annual meeting, MWPARC conducted a review and comparison of the state regulations governing turtles in the Midwest.
Guides
Have a resource or book about amphibians and reptiles in the Midwest that you would like to see included here?
If you know of a helpful book or guide that isn't included here, let us know by emailing us at parcmidwest [at] gmail.com. Please be sure to include information about where the resource can be purchased or found.
Amphibians and Reptiles of the Great lakes, Revised Ed.
Written by James Harding and David Mifsud, get your copy here!
Amphibian and Reptiles Best Management Practices Manual.
From their website: "This manual was created for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to provide a comprehensive guide to Best Management Practices (BMPs) to improve and maintain the viability of Michigan amphibian and reptile populations. This manual addresses threats to Michigan’s amphibian and reptile (i.e., herpetofauna) communities posed by development and conservation management practices." Download a copy here!
Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Illinois
Now available via University of Illinois Press! This is the second edition. You can get your copy here!
The Amphibians and Reptiles of Missouri
Now available via the Missouri Department of Conservation Nature Shop! This is an expanded and updated version. You can find your copy here.
Reptiles of Ohio (Volumes 1 & 2)
This two volume resource is essential for anyone working with herps, particularly in the midwest! It can be purchased at this website.
Field Guide to Amphibians & Reptiles of South Dakota (Second Edition)
You can purchase the field guide by Alyssa M. Kiesow and Drew R. Davis by calling this number: 605.223.7662. It will be available soon via this website.
Field Guide to Amphibian Eggs and Larvae of the Western Great Lakes
You can purchase the pocket field guide by Gary S. Casper, Thomas G. Anton, and Ryne D. Rutherford from our MW PARC store. Get your copy by clicking here!