Habitat Management Guidelines
New! PARC Southwest Habitat Management Guidelines now available from Amazon
Habitat alteration, fragmentation and loss are collectively considered to be the primary challenge in the conservation of amphibians and reptiles (i.e., herpetofauna). With herpetofaunal populations declining, and human populations expanding and using more land, PARC has developed a series of regionally specific best management practices, or Habitat Management Guidelines (HMGs) to provide proactive guidance for improving the compatibility of land management practices with these animals.
These guidelines are not regulations, nor are they in any way an attempt to limit landowners' rights. They should simply be regarded as recommendations for landowners and managers to consider the needs of amphibians and reptiles in the course of their management activities. The HMGs are directed towards resource managers and private landowners who have a desire to help protect amphibians and reptiles. If many landowners and land managers each implement some of these guidelines, then the cumulative effect can only be a positive one.
These guidelines:
use the best science available
are easily understood by and practical for land managers and private landowners
present measures to help maximize compatibility with existing management objectives, or to optimize
management actions specifically for herpetofauna
provide guidance on the management and restoration of habitats such that amphibians, reptiles, and
many other wildlife species may benefit
We have not created a guidebook that describes the needs of every species of amphibian and reptile. Instead, we provide regionally-specific guidelines for managing habitats with the goals of keeping common species common, stemming the decline of imperiled species, and reduce the likelihood of species becoming listed as threatened or endangered.
See below for information on each of the regional Habitat Management Guidelines. In addition, pre-orders are being accepted for the Southwest guide.
Habitat Management Guidelines for Amphibians and Reptiles of the Southeastern United States are now available in PDF form for FREE download. Limited numbers of hard copies may be available at SE PARC regional meetings.
Habitat Management Guidelines for Amphibians and Reptiles of the Northeastern United States are now available in PDF form for FREE download. Unfortunately NE PARC has run out of hard copies at this time.
Habitat Management Guidelines for Amphibians and Reptiles for the Northwestern United States and Western Canada are now available in PDF form for FREE download. Hard copies are available at NW PARC regional meetings
Habitat Management Guidelines for Amphibians and Reptiles of the Midwestern United States are now available in PDF form for FREE download. Hard copies are available at MW PARC regional meetings.
The Southwest Habitat Management Guidelines are now available for purchase via Amazon for $15/copy plus shipping. If you are an Amazon Prime member, shipping is free! Bulk discounts also are available when ordering by the box (1 box = 15 copies); for every 15 copies ordered, you will receive $25 off upon checkout.
For general inquiries about PARC's Habitat Management Guidelines, please contact Michelle Christman at michelle_christman@fws.gov.
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