Herpetology
The Academy's herpetology collection began in 1853 with a single Galápagos tortoise shell. It has since grown to be the 6th largest reptile and amphibian collection in the world and serves as an important repository of information for Academy scientists and others seeking to better understand these fascinating and important creatures.
In addition to documenting species and their distribution around the world, our scientists and collaborators are at the forefront of many other aspects of herpetological research and conservation: examining the evolutionary relationships of various taxonomic groups, assessing and working to protect against population threats, and developing captive breeding programs and strategies to help maintain genetic stocks of critically endangered species.
New! Download Dr. Rayna Bell's ebook Vision in Frogs and Toads is now available as a free download to your Apple device.
Collections
With more than 315,000 cataloged specimens from 175 countries, our collection of amphibians and reptiles is one of the largest in the world.
Check out our new Google Scholar profile for a list of publications that have used our specimens.
Projects
In collaboration with researchers and staff from around the Academy and beyond, our scientists are working to better understand the anatomy and evolution of reptiles and amphibians, the biodiversity of remote islands, and the reproductive biology of critically endangered frogs.
Expeditions
From the islands of São Tomė and Príncipe to Myanmar and the Dulongjiang forests of northwest Yunnan in China, Academy scientists travel around the world to document the unique amphibians and reptiles that call these biodiversity hotspots home.
Cameroon Amphibian SurveyMyanmar Herpetological Project
Staff
Our research staff study the evolution and distribution of reptiles and amphibians and are actively involved in conservation efforts to protect endangered species and habitats.
