HerpMapper Inc.

HerpMapper Inc. is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the collection and sharing of information about reptile and amphibian (herp) observations globally. It operates as a collaborative citizen science project, engaging contributors in documenting herp sightings through both its website and mobile applications.

History

HerpMapper was officially launched in September 2013. It is managed by a team of professional herpetologists, IT specialists, and field herpers with extensive experience.

Organizational Structure

HerpMapper's advisory team consists of staff from nonprofit organizations, state agency biologists, university faculty, IT professionals, and field herpers.

Objectives

The primary objective of HerpMapper is to facilitate data sharing with professional conservation and research organizations to enhance the conservation of herpetofauna worldwide.

Data Management

Contributors can create records of their herp observations. However, point-location data are not publicly shared due to concerns about over-collection and poaching. This data is made available to HerpMapper Partners, which include biologists from state or regional agencies, university researchers, and conservation organizations. Basic information about observations can be viewed by the general public, while detailed data, including exact locations, remain restricted.

Technology

HerpMapper offers a mobile application for reporting herp sightings, which is also used by other herpetological atlas projects. This technology plays a crucial role in managing and disseminating data to support conservation efforts.

Impact

Through its citizen science approach, HerpMapper encourages public participation in herpetological research, contributing valuable insights for the conservation and preservation of reptiles and amphibians.

External Recognition

HerpMapper is recognized as part of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), ensuring its data contributes to a broader global biodiversity conservation strategy.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HerpMapper [2] https://www.gbif.org/dataset/64ec1ba4-08d4-46ef-b40a-68965728e182 [3] https://apps.apple.com/us/app/herpmapper/id1266037481 [4] https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9n8pkc0h17g1 [5] https://www.instagram.com/herpmapper/