Reptile and Amphibian Reporting Program (RAARP)

RAARP is a program coordinated by the NH Fish and Game Nongame & Endangered Wildlife Program where volunteers report sightings of reptiles and amphibians from spring peepers to snapping turtles. These reports are extremely valuable to biologists. Observations are used to determine the distribution of all reptiles and amphibians within New Hampshire. Reports of less common species are very important. Verified reports of rare species locations are mapped and stored in a database used for land protection and conservation purposes. Reports should be accompanied by a clear photograph whenever possible. To be added to the spring mailing list, please contact the NH Fish and Game Wildlife Division: (603) 271-5859 or email wildlife@wildlife.nh.gov.

Tools for RAARPers:

• Download RAARP reporting form* (PDF, 14 KB)
• Commonly asked RAARP questions
• Keys to the Amphibians & Reptiles of New Hampshire
• How to Photograph Amphibians and Reptiles
• Reporting New Hampshire Reptile & Amphibian Sightings
• The Early Spring Amphibians and Reptiles
• Tips on Field Techniques
• HAVE YOU SEEN ME? Marbled Salamander (PDF, 243 KB)
• Protect the Timber Rattlesnake (PDF, 125 KB)
• Vernal pool documentation manual - now FREE FOR DOWNLOAD!
  Vernal pools are temporary bodies of water that provide essential habitat for a variety of creatures. Dry basins fill as water tables rise in fall or winter and during spring snowmelt and rains; pools usually dry by mid-to late summer. For some species of amphibians and invertebrates, vernal pools are required for breeding. Other species, such as Blanding's and spotted turtles, often use vernal pools for foraging or mating. Anyone interested in locating vernal pools in their area can get detailed guidance from Identification and Documentation of Vernal Pools in New Hampshire. Click here to download (PDF - 677 KB). Vernal pools documented by volunteers are sent to the local conservation commission and NH Fish and Game. Limited hard copies are available for pickup at Fish and Game. Contact the Wildlife Division at (603) 271-2461 or wildlife@wildlife.nh.gov.

• List of Amphibians and Reptiles of New Hampshire
• Rules and Regulations for Reptiles and Amphibians in New Hampshire
• What to do if you find an injured turtle
• Species Distribution Maps -- See individual species profiles
• RAARP report archives:
  • Spring 2007 RAARP information & 2006 Summary* (PDF, 113 KB)
  • 2005 RAARP Observation Summary Report
• NEWS: Turtle migration is on! (summer 2006)

• North American Amphibian and Reptile Monitoring Program
• Frogwatch
• Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
• Northeast Partners for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (NEPARC)
• Frog Call Quiz page from U.S. Geological Survey
• USGS Reptile and Amphibian checklist
• The Vernal Pool Association
• Release of unwanted pets (PDF file)