Conservation Efforts

For forty years and counting, the NC Herpetological Society has organized around the science, conservation, and public appreciation of reptiles and amphibians.  We offer grants for research, support and partner with many other likeminded organizations, provide money for land acquisition, and own and manage several properties of significant herp conservation value in North Carolina.  We strive to be advisors, mentors, and educators to the general public and those who influence rules and regulations that govern our herp species and their habitats.  There are times when we vote to take action to protect species or habitats.  See the tabs below for more information on some of our conservation efforts.

Alligator Hunting in North Carolina

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) considered allowing American alligator hunting in North Carolina regardless of the concerns expressed by many wildlife conservation organizations, including the NC Herpetological Society (NCHS).   January 2019, the NCHS formally requested the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) evaluate the legality of recent changes made by the NCWRC to their management of American Alligators in North Carolina.  This letter was meant to be a “shot across the bow” to the NCWRC that their actions are being scrutinized.  We wanted to let our membership see the letter that was sent from SELC that temporarily halted The Commissioner’s efforts to create an alligator hunting season and encouraged further research into alligator populations in North Carolina.

Southern Environmental Law Center’s letter to NCWRC

More information on these properties coming soon!

Donnelly Hardpan

Big Shoe Heel

Lawrence Lewis

We need help each year maintaining and managing these properties.  We invite our membership to assist us with property management so please become a society member and request to be added to the email list to find out when these events occur.  Become a member!

State Herp Symbols

North Carolina has 41 state symbols, and now two of them are amphibians! NCHS is very proud to have been a part in the movement to create two new state symbols: a state frog – Pine Barrens Treefrog (Hyla andersonii) and a state salamander – Marbled Salamander (Ambystoma opacum). Thanks to every member that helped with this push, including Pam and Rachel Hopkins, House of Representative Marilyn Avila, Lori Williams, and Alvin Braswell!! In July 2013, Gov. Pat McCrory signed HB 830 making it official.

House of Representative Marilyn Avila, Gov. Pat McCrory, and Rachel Hopkins

In early 1979, North Carolina adopted the box turtle as our state reptile.  Originally, “the turtle” was proposed and Dave Stephan, on behalf of the NCHS, wrote a letter pointing out that there are more than one species of turtle in North Carolina and the world, and that the eastern box turtle would be appropriate for NC for a variety of reasons.  This letter prompted the adoption of the box turtle as our state symbol.