AMPHIBIAN AND REPTILE CONSERVANCY (ARC), INC.

1. Conservation of imperiled amphibians and reptiles in Priority Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Areas (PARCAs). PARCAs are places with exceptional diversity of amphibians and reptiles, or with a significant presence of rare species, that are capable of supporting viable populations.

2. Conservation of imperiled amphibians and reptiles through a wide variety of targeted projects.

3. Have a nationwide impact on amphibian and reptile conservation through fiscal sponsorship of Partners in Amphibians and Reptile Conservation (PARC). PARC is the largest and most comprehensive effort in the U.S. to conserve amphibians and reptiles, including members and representatives from government agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, and private industries

1. Implementation of Current and New PARCAs. Implementation includes creating conservation plans to address threats and manage targeted species and their habitats, and then taking action to carry out those plans. Actions may include monitoring and managing target species, managing their habitats, training landowners in conservation practices, etc.

1.b Continue studies and conservation initiatives for rare amphibian and reptile species in existing PARCAs. Monitor species’ response to conservation actions and adjust accordingly. Continue engagement with state and federal partners.

1.b Initiate implementation of 9 new PARCAs by December 2021. Focus on areas that combine the greatest conservation value, the most beneficial partners, and the best opportunities for funding.


2. Complete current

ARC has been in operation since 2007. Since then ARC has completed dozens of successful projects, and launched our premier PARCA, which has greatly improved the management of imperiled species and their habitats in Francis Marion National Forest, South Carolina. That initiative, going strong since 2013, has demonstrated the effectiveness of the program and serves as a model for implementing additional PARCAs.

ARC’s senior staff has specialized expertise in herpetofauna conservation, especially PARCAs, and extensive experience in the management of multi-partner projects. Together with members of the Board, ARC has broad knowledge and deep roots in the amphibian and reptile conservation community. ARC’s special relationship with the national network of PARC provides exceptional access to the leading experts in herpetofauna conservation.

Past and current projects include wetlands restoration for imperiled amphibians, surveys and design of conservation plans for declining species, and educational materials and training workshops and landowners, habitat managers, and law enforcement. Future plans focus on the continuation and expansion of these conservation actions.