The Alaska Herpetological Society

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Amphibians At High Latitudes

Congratulations to the 2020-2022 Executive Board! The new officers include Joshua Ream (President), Kristian Larson (Vice-President), Jessica Delashmit (Secretary), Lanette Odaagard (Treasurer) and Seth Perry (Member-At-Large).

The 2021 AHS Research Grants Program is now accepting applications! The award will be $500 and the application deadline is April 1st. Please visit our grants page for more information.

The Alaska Herpetological Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the field of Herpetology in the State of Alaska. Our mission is to promote sound research and management of amphibians and reptiles in the North, to foster responsible pet ownership and to provide opportunities in outreach, education, and citizen science for individuals who are interested in these species.

While many people do not realize that herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles) occur this far north, Alaska is home to at least eight species:

In addition, four marine turtles (reptiles) have been recorded in non-breeding populations in Alaska waters (usually in el nino years):

The Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
The Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
The Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)
The Olive-Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)

Furthermore, several enigmatic species have been identified as either occurring in Alaska (as documented by anecdotal evidence) or by occurring close enough to the state's borders to warrant future investigation of their presence:

The Alaska Worm Salamander (Batrachoseps caudatus)
The Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
The Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei)

The study of these species in Alaska is in its infancy and baseline data on diversity, distribution and abundance remains fragmented. Our organization aims to enhance the knowledge of the state's amphibians and reptiles in order to promote the best possible management practices.

For more information on the herps of Alaska consult the "Amphibians and Reptiles of Alaska: A Field Handbook"

Frog: Thin Green Line

-DELICATE AND DIVERSE-

Watch Frogs: The Thin Green Line on PBS. See more from Nature.

DID YOU KNOW?!