CONSERVING our WILDLIFE, LANDSCAPES & NATURAL HERITAGE
[Letter from the CEO]
As a child I grew up playing in the forests and rivers around my home. I have distinct memories from that time, like photographs of a cardinal perched in a shrub, otters swimming in the river and a gartersnake living under the back porch. As I was finishing high school and beginning college, I began collecting nature field guides and following organizations focused on wildlife conservation such as Audubon and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. After finishing my doctorate in herpetology, I worked for one of the largest species conservation organizations in the world, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), but like most species conservation organizations, they focused primarily on large mammals and birds. Over the years, I never found an organization that could speak for that gartersnake living under my porch.
Photo: Pete Oxford
After three years with WCS, I realized that my path forward was clear--I needed to create an organization that could speak for the reptiles and amphibians. We founded the Orianne Society in 2008 with a focus on one of the most iconic yet imperiled reptile species in North America, the Eastern Indigo Snake. The first five years of Orianne was spent with an intense focus on developing a program that would make a meaningful difference for the future of Indigo Snakes. We have had incredible success throughout these years, and these early successes have provided a great model and Odum School of Ecology, College of Veterinary Medicine, UGA Costa Rica and platform from which the organization will continue to grow. the Center for Integrative Conservation Research. In addition, there are other herpetologically-focused institutions affiliated with UGA including the Coweeta In the last two years, we have taken our successful model and developed an ambitious Long-term Ecological Research Site, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Zoo plan to implement similar programs for other imperiled reptile and amphibian Atlanta, Georgia Sea Turtle Center and Jones Ecological Research Center. Orianne’s species around the world. First, our work with Indigo Snakes has expanded into partnership with UGA and its affiliated institutions is the building block for our Fire Forest Initiative under which we work to conserve Spotted Turtles, Eastern developing the world’s leading institute for herpetological research, education and Diamondback Rattlesnakes and Gopher Tortoises, as well as habitats within the conservation. Altamaha River Corridor. Second, we have formalized our Appalachian Highlands Initiative focusing on imperiled species and landscapes such as Hellbenders and Thinking back to that gartersnake under my porch, its beauty and mystery helped Timber Rattlesnakes in the Greater Smoky Mountain Ecosystem and Wood Turtles inspire the development of Orianne and ultimately a global organization for its in the North Country of New England. Third, we are building our Citizen Science conservation. An important component of this institute is the support we receive Initiative by launching bioblitz-type projects such as Places You Have Never Herped from you. If we are going to do something to conserve these underdogs of the and Indigo Days and larger database projects such as Snapshots in Time. Finally, we conservation world, we need help--we need your help. I encourage you to take part in are exploring launching our first international program in the tropical forests of Latin a citizen science event, become a member or make a donation. Become a partner of America. We continue to conduct expeditions to search for the elusive Bushmasters the Orianne Society, be a part of something unique, and you can do your part to save and are currently working with partners in Latin America to develop a series of the species of your childhood memories. species and landscape priorities from which we can build an initiative. Sincerely, To have a greater impact on reptile and amphibian conservation, we recently partnered with the University of Georgia (UGA). UGA has one of the strongest herpetology programs in the world with expertise in the Warnell School of Forestry,
Christopher L. Jenkins, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer
[ Our Mission ] The Orianne Society works to conserve REPTILES and AMPHIBIANS in the wild, as well as the HABITATS they need to persist.
Photo: Pete Oxford
We work with a diverse group of partners to achieve success using the pillars of our organization: SCIENCE, EDUCATION and APPLIED CONSERVATION. We succeed through dedication, knowledge and hard work.
SCIENCE FUELED. BOOTS ON THE GROUND. CONSERVATION. 2
[ Our Approach to Conservation ] We work to conserve species through very strategic initiatives. Our initiatives are designed using a customized, science-based approach. Specifically, we examine a particular conservation target, such as Eastern Indigo Snakes, and determine the research and applied conservation programs needed to conserve the species. Each conservation target requires a customized plan for conservation, and we conduct a variety of research projects and use the results to inform a diverse set of applied conservation approaches.
Science
Education
Imperiled Species Conservation Examples of our Research Spatial Ecology Thermal & Physiological Ecology Habitat Modeling Genetics
y
v
LAND PROTECTION & RESTORATION
Applied Conservation
POPULATION RESTORATION
n 123 CONSERVATION PLANNING
INVENTORY MONITORING
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Photo: Pete Oxford
} H RESEARCH
3 PILLARS OF THE ORIANNE SOCIETY
OUR APPROACH HAS FOSTERED GREAT SUCCESS TO DATE, INCLUDING: PROTECTING and
RESTORING
A PRESERVE SYSTEM in
100 EASTERN INDIGO SNAKES to
RE-ESTABLISH POPULATIONS
where they’ve GONE EXTINCT
OUR RESEARCH is taking our knowledge
of
INDIGO SNAKES to a
NEW LEVEL
Photo: Pete Oxford
SOUTH GEORGIA
REINTRODUCING
NOW, THE ORIANNE SOCIETY IS EMBARKING ON AN EXCITING TRANSITION. 4
The Orianne Society was founded as a private foundation, but in 2013 we submitted our intent to the Internal Revenue Service to be designated as a 501(c)3 public charity. In early 2014, we moved our headquarters onto the University of Georgia (UGA) campus in Athens, Georgia. The Orianne Society and UGA formed a strong collaboration based on a solid and sincere shared interest in conservation. Orianne and the UGA Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources have collaborated on projects since the inception of Orianne--there is a mutual respect between the two groups, and Orianne staff members serve as adjunct faculty at Warnell. UGA houses one of the strongest herpetology groups at any university, including having multiple faculty across the Forestry, Ecology and Veterinary Medicine Colleges and affiliated institutions such as the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Jones Ecological Research Center, UGA Costa Rica, Georgia Sea Turtle Center and Zoo Atlanta.
Photo: Pete Oxford
Our collaboration with UGA is strong, and we look forward to working together to further continue our mission and to enhance our reputation as a premier institute that works to conserve reptiles and amphibians through applied research, on-the-ground action, and public involvement and education.
TOGETHER, WE ARE REVOLUTIONIZING THE WAY PEOPLE THINK ABOUT THESE SPECIES AND CONSERVATION.
Reptiles and amphibians are often the bellwethers of habitat health. TO SEE THESE SPECIES IN THE WILD IS TO SEE A HEALTHY, FUNCTIONING LANDSCAPE. Who cares about reptile and amphibian conservation?
Reptiles and amphibians have an incredible value. They are an integral part of our ecosystems, playing their part in keeping these systems functioning. Their physiology holds many clues to important medical advances. Their mystique has played important roles in our arts and culture. They’re key players in the world we live in.
So why is the conservation of these species so overlooked?
In a world of diminishing habitats, they suffer from the same effects of environmental degradation as other animals, but with the added burden of being targets--targets of persecution, of antipathy. They don’t get the same attention as cuter animals we’re asked to save, yet healthy ecosystems depend on these animals for survival.
Our Initiatives
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Photo: Pete Oxford
CITIZEN SCIENCE
Photo: Dirk Stevenson
APPALACHIAN HIGHLANDS
Photo: Chris Jenkins
FIRE FOREST
Photo: Pete Oxford
Orianne focuses on the conservation of imperiled species within specific landscapes. Currently we have three primary initiatives: the Fire Forest Initiative, the Appalachian Highlands Initiative and the Citizen Science Initiative. Though these three initiatives are our main focus, we also conduct smaller-scale projects through strategically-devised Program Development. These projects may become independent initiatives in the future once we have determined the feasibility and need for each project.
6
Photo: Kevin Stohlgren
So what are we doing to conserve these species?
Photo: Pete Oxford
FIRE FOREST initiative
ALTAMAHA RIVER CORRIDOR
EASTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE
Photo: Pete Oxford
EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE
Photo: Kevin Stohlgren
Today, Longleaf Pine sandhills are one of the most endangered ecosystems in the U.S., with less than two percent remaining. Longleaf Pine was harvested heavily for commercial use and replanted with faster-growing Fire species, such as Loblolly and Slash Pine. Natural fires are Forest also being suppressed, stunting the reproduction of what The southeastern United States the early settlers found remains of Longleaf Forests. is vastly different from what we see today. In the past Longleaf Pine was dominant, standing tall from Numerous wildlife species rely on this ecosystem to southwest Virginia southward through nine states to persist, including several declining or endangered east Texas. species such as the Eastern Indigo Snake and Gopher Tortoise. We are dedicated to conserving these species, These beautiful forests were characterized by tall the Longleaf Pine ecosystem and all the other species that trees, little to no midstory vegetation and a diversity inhabit this great but declining landscape.
SPOTTED TURTLE
Photo: Pete Oxford
of understory groundcover including wiregrass and numerous wildflowers and forbs. Mother Nature helped these forests thrive, providing frequent fires that would spread across the forest floor. Fires helped to create a bare seed bed on the forest floor where Longleaf Pine seeds fell, leading to the next generation of these majestic trees.
Photo: Pete Oxford
Priority Landscape and Species
8
Photo: Pete Oxford
ALTAMAHA RIVER CORRIDOR
Photo: Pete Oxford
WE ARE DEDICATED TO INCREASING
OUR CONSERVATION FOOTPRINT by protecting & restoring
VITAL FIRE FOREST ECOSYSTEMS with land management activities:
Accomplishments ORIANNE INDIGO
SNAKE PRESERVE is comprised of
48,704 acres:
2,607 10,343 35,754
Orianne Society Conservation Partners Private Landowners
PLANTED OVER
312,000 LONGLEAF PINE
SEEDLINGS & consistently apply PRESCRIBED FIRE to restore the
PRESERVE TO ITS NATURAL STATE
Future Goals
385 ACRES 560 ACRES 9,850 LANDOWNERS 120 ACRES
of planted Longleaf Pines of restored native ground cover restored using prescribed fire
enrolled in partnership network
ď ›
The Altamaha River Corridor (ARC) contains the Orianne Indigo Snake Preserve (OISP) and is composed of Cypress swamps, extensive sandhills and tracts of Longleaf Pine used by Eastern Indigo Snakes, Gopher Tortoises and Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes. In fact, the ARC is part of the Altamaha-OcmulgeeOhoopee River Corridors Priority Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Area that is considered one of the most important habitats in the range of these species.
PRESCRIBED BURNING CREATING LAND PARTNERSHIPS RESTORING GROUND COVER PLANTING LONGLEAF PINES
INCREASE SIZE OF OISP
purchase land based on priorities 10
EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE The scientific name of the Eastern Indigo Snake, Drymarchon couperi, roughly translates to “Emperor of the Forest.” As one of the largest snakes in North America, this majestic nonvenomous animal truly lives up to its name. Despite its docile nature when handled by humans, the Eastern Indigo Snake is a top predator and an icon for conservation. Many of the Eastern Indigo Snake’s habitats are gone. Much of what does remain has been degraded by years of fire suppression and has been fragmented by the onslaught of development. While these factors impact nearly all Longleaf Pine sandhill-associated species, the Eastern Indigo Snake is particularly vulnerable. The Eastern Indigo Snake is a wide-ranging top predator that, pound for pound, can require as much room to roam as an African Lion. It also requires different overwintering and summer foraging habitat that can be separated by considerable distance, resulting in a great deal of travel. And travel means crossing roads.
By conserving the Eastern Indigo Snake, we are not only saving this species but also the ecosystems it inhabits.
Photo: Pete Oxford
In addition, the Eastern Indigo Snake is directly linked to two other vulnerable species--the Gopher Tortoise and the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake. In the northern portion of its range, the Eastern Indigo Snake is dependent on Gopher Tortoise burrows for shelter in the winter. As suitable Gopher Tortoise habitat has declined, so have the tortoise populations and with it the Eastern Indigo Snake. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes are a major prey item of Indigo Snakes. Eastern Diamondbacks have not only declined because of habitat loss and degradation, but also because they have suffered tremendous loss due to historical rattlesnake roundups and other forms of persecution.
Why is the
EASTERN INDIGO in danger?
Future Goals
35 FEMALES BRED
Photo: Daniel Parker
in partnership with the Central Florida Zoo
The Eastern Indigo Snake is threatened due to its loss of habitat and therefore home range, the decline in Gopher Tortoise populations on which they rely for burrows, and their low survival rates. We are working to increase their numbers through our land management, captive breeding and research efforts throughout the Indigo’s range.
Accomplishments ORIANNE INDIGO SNAKE PRESERVE
REINTRODUCED
48,704 acres of
INDIGO SNAKES
created to RESTORE & PRESERVE
INDIGO HABITAT
approximately
100 into
CONECUH NATIONAL FOREST
in ALABAMA
created new PARTNERSHIPS
with PRIVATE LANDOWNERS to increase
INDIGO HABITAT
45%
of captively-bred
OFFSPRING RELEASED into reintroduction sites, including two new sites
200 RESEARCH SITES
to conduct occupancy and abundance studies
CONSERVE & RESTORE TORTOISE POPULATIONS
import Gopher Tortoises to OISP to establish & monitor these new populations 12
SPOTTED TURTLE The southeastern United States is recognized for its extraordinarily high species diversity of turtles. Complementing our efforts to protect the Gopher Tortoise, we are directing our efforts toward the conservation of a small, mostly-aquatic species, the Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata). A beautiful and engagingly-patterned species, the aptly named Spotted Turtle is a small, bluish-black turtle with yellowish spots on the upper shell and orange and yellow spots on the head. The smooth shells of adult Spotted Turtles are but 3.5 to 4.5 inches long. Historically, their pleasing characteristics resulted in the over-collection of Spotted Turtles for the pet trade in some regions, and in 2012 the species was petitioned by the Center for Biological Diversity for Federal Listing status as “Threatened,” and is currently state-listed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR). In addition, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the Spotted Turtle as globally “Endangered.”
Little is known about this species’ ecology, but this knowledge is vital to save them in the wild.
Photo: Pete Oxford
Many Spotted Turtle populations have become isolated or have declined or disappeared due to habitat loss, road mortality and adverse impacts to wetlands. Fortunately, the species is now protected from collection (or collection is regulated) in the states in which it occurs.
Why is the
Photo: Kevin Stohlgren
SPOTTED TURTLE in danger?
The exploitation of Spotted Turtles in the pet trade and the fragmentation of their wetland habitat have caused their populations to decline by 50 percent in just three generations. The threat of isolated populations and the low numbers of Spotted Turtles left in the wild make it difficult for these animals to migrate among populations to reproduce, causing potential genetic problems in addition to lowered reproductive rates. The loss of even a single Spotted Turtle from collection or habitat loss can be a detriment to a local population.
Accomplishments
COMPILED MARK-RECAPTURE every record for STUDIES of their SPOTTED TURTLES STUDIES from at several DISTRIBUTION
INITIATED
INITIATED
ECOLOGY &
museum & literature reviews and
STATUS
OBSERVATIONS
CONSERVATION
in Georgia
biologist & naturalist
in Georgia
GEORGIA SITES over
30
marked turtles
Future Goals
20
ACRES
of wetland habitat restored
ASSESS POPULATION
assess status using mark-recapture field studies at
12
SITES
using data from 20 turtles 14
EASTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake... just the name evokes a range of emotions. But this venomous snake has a vital role to play in its ecosystem, which it cannot ultimately fulfill without protection. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake populations have suffered great declines due to habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation as well as roadway mortality. Historic rattlesnake round-ups and the methods used to collect these species for round-ups, such as pouring gasoline in or blowing gasoline fumes into Gopher Tortoise burrows to get rattlesnakes to come to the surface, have also contributed to localized declines. Diamondbacks are subject to extreme human persecution and are often killed on sight, as well.
The Eastern Diamondback is not protected in the majority of its range, even though it plays an integral role as predator and prey in its ecosystems.
Photo: Pete Oxford
Because of these threats, the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake has now been petitioned to be considered a candidate species for listing under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species Act.
Why is the
EASTERN DIAMONDBACK in danger?
Accomplishments EASTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE
CONSERVATION PROGRAM INITIATED
to promote conservation THROUGHOUT THEIR RANGE
EASTERN DIAMONDBACK CONSERVATION
Photo: Pete Oxford
ACTION PLANNING TEAM
created to continually assess
THEIR CURRENT STATUS, IDENTIFY SURVIVAL NEEDS
& identify future research needs
DETERMINING EFFECTS OF Historic rattlesnake round-ups and other forms of intentional persecution have contributed to drastic declines in Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake populations. Although few round-ups still remain, the negative attitudes toward these animals that stem from these events still persist. These negative attitudes coupled with the decline of open-canopy habitat pose a real threat to the survival of this species.
Future Goals
200
RESEARCH SITES
to conduct occupancy and abundance studies
30
REPORTS
housed & cared for to display at festivals
complete Conservation Action Plan and GA/FL state assessment reports
RATTLESNAKES
ASSESS STATUS OF EDR
COASTAL DEVELOPMENT
on the Eastern Diamondback in par tnership with UGA
SUPPORTING & PARTICIPATING in family-friendly
RATTLESNAKE FESTIVALS
to discourage collection & killing
16
Photo: Chris Jenkins
APPALACHIAN HIGHLANDS initiative
Priority Landscape and Species GREATER SMOKY MOUNTAIN ECOSYSTEM
Appalachian Highlands
Photo: Heidi Hall
The Appalachian Mountains encompass much of the higher elevations of the eastern United States and provide important habitats for many species that are dependent on temperate montane ecosystems. Salamanders are especially important components of Appalachian environments, and portions of the Appalachians house some of the highest diversities of this group. Furthermore, several threatened reptile species occur in patchy populations among these mountains that are threatened by both habitat loss and human persecution.
TIMBER RATTLESNAKE
Photo: Pete Oxford
HELLBENDER
Photo: Pete Oxford
Important species for conservation in the Appalachian Mountains include Hellbender Salamanders, Montane Lungless Salamanders, Wood Turtles, Bog Turtles and Timber Rattlesnakes. The Orianne Society is particularly focused on research and conservation of the Hellbenders and Timber Rattlesnakes for the Appalachian Highlands Initiative.
18
Photo: Kevin Stohlgren
GREATER SMOKY MOUNTAINS
The Greater Smoky Mountain Ecosystem (GSME) of Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia is the focal landscape of the Appalachian Highlands Initiative. This region is one of the most herpetologically-diverse regions in North America and has the highest salamander diversity in the world.
Photo: Kevin Stohlgren
The GSME also contains some of the greatest remaining old-growth forests left in the eastern United States. From Red Spruce and Fraser Fir forests to northern hardwoods to high elevation mountain bogs and mountain balds, the southern Appalachian Mountains contain a level of biodiversity that rivals any other landscape on Earth, with over 10,000 species calling their slopes and valleys home. Black bears, grouse, whitetail deer, beavers--the GSME houses them all and is more than just a landscape. It’s an important aspect to a culture that prides itself on living in one of the last wild places in the United States.
Accomplishments RESTORED CONDUCTED MOUNTAIN BOGS by applying PRESCRIBED FIRE
& HERBICIDES
to non-native, invasive plants
BROAD-SCALE INVENTORIES for
TIMBER RATTLESNAKES in the Nantahala Mtns. & S. Blue Ridge Escarpment
CONDUCTED HELLBENDER
CONSERVATION IN HEADWATERS of the Little Tennessee Watershed
However, the loss of the American Chestnut, the introduction of invasive species, deforestation, human population encroachment, fire suppression and the draining of mountain wetlands are taking its toll on this ecosystem and the animals that inhabit it. The degradation of this wild ecosystem has caused the decline of many wildlife species, including reptiles and amphibians such as the Hellbender Salamander and the Timber Rattlesnake.
Future Goals
RESTORE HABITAT:
1,100 250
ACRES prescribed fires
INSTALL ALTERNATE WATER SOURCES for cattle & FENCE OFF
STREAMBANKS TREES to prevent PLANTED American Chestnut Trees planted
EROSION
20
EASTERN HELLBENDER Hellbender Salamanders are one of the largest salamander species in the world, reaching lengths of 2.5 feet. They require cool, clear rivers and streams with little to no siltation in order to breathe and to inhabit sustainable microhabitats, and they are highly susceptible to pollution. Hellbenders are declining across their range and are petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act. To date, the southern Blue Ridge Mountains contain some of the best Hellbender populations remaining, yet there are still many historic sites where Hellbenders cannot reliably be found or are found at low densities. Hellbenders are primarily threatened by river sedimentation and pollution that are causing declines of suitable habitat for these animals.
Our vision is to conserve Hellbenders through restoration effor ts on a watershed scale to create and restore their habitat.
Photo: Pete Oxford
These threats are affecting Hellbender ecology. Survival rates of Hellbenders to adulthood are extremely low, so even small changes in their environment can cause them to not only lose their habitat, but it can also result in troubled breathing due to low oxygen levels and slow river flow. It’s imperative that we work to conserve these microhabitats so that more Hellbenders are able to survive to adulthood and to reproductive age.
Why is the
HELLBENDER in danger?
Accomplishments
RESTORED WETLANDS IN RABUN COUNTY, GEORGIA in par tnership with
U.S. FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE
with plans for additional STREAM & RIPARIAN RESTORATION
The most pressing threat to Eastern Hellbender populations is river sedimentation and pollution. When sediment fills the spaces under rocks, adult Hellbenders lose their habitat and can’t necessarily find new microhabitats easily with their short single movements of 10 to 20 meters. Adults also use these spaces for nesting sites. Larval and juvenile Hellbenders are especially at risk from this sedimentation, as they use the spaces under rocks to escape from predators.
Future Goals
50 SITES
to conduct eDNA surveys
200 WATER SAMPLES
COLLECTED
Photo: Pete Oxford
80 SITES
to monitor populations
30 NEST BOXES
installed for Hellbender use
for eDNA ANALYSIS
31 KILOMETERS
of restored habitat & stream hydrology 22
TIMBER RATTLESNAKE The Timber Rattlesnakes that roam the Greater Smoky Mountain Ecosystem (GSME) are not only one of the last remaining apex predators of the Appalachian Mountains, they are a cultural icon representing wild places and freedom. However, every year Appalachian Timber Rattlesnake populations decline further as snakes are killed in backyards and on roads, and their distribution continues to shrink. These important animals are threatened by negative human perceptions and have been persecuted through historic rattlesnake round-ups and indiscriminate killing. Their habitat is also threatened by development that can result in den sites being widely dispersed from one another, thereby affecting their ability to reproduce, increasing their risk of human interaction and increasing their risk of decline due to an emerging snake fungal disease. With a relatively large home range, male Timber Rattlesnakes are vulnerable on roadways. When cars approach, Timber Rattlesnakes typically remain motionless as a defense mechanism, making them susceptible to injury or death.
Timber Rattlesnakes are an apex predator and a cultural icon of the United States, but this icon is disappearing.
Photo: Pete Oxford
Timber Rattlesnakes are important--they are important as predators of small mammals and have played a prominent role in the cultural and religious heritage of the Appalachian region. Just over 200 years ago, the Timber Rattlesnake was used as an icon for our independence during the American Revolution, occurring on flags with the motto, “Don’t Tread on Me.�
Why is the
TIMBER RATTLESNAKE in danger?
Future Goals ASSESS STATUS
by monitoring population occupancy & reproduction at
105 SITES
ASSESS STATUS
by studying fire ecology & collecting movement & habitat data
90 SNAKES
LIMIT HUMAN PERSECUTION by developing & implementing education programs in Photo: Heidi Hall
Timber Rattlesnakes may not mature sexually until nine years of age, and females may only reproduce every five years. These snakes are faced with a myriad of threats that limit their lifespan. Therefore, the many threats that cause Timber Rattlesnakes’ lives to be cut short--living only 15 years instead of 30 on average--coupled with their reproductive cycles result in not only low adult survivorship but also very low recruitment rates.
Accomplishments MONITOR POPULATIONS to record
HABITAT USAGE DATA to identify & mitigate
LOCAL DECLINES & CRITICAL HABITATS
CONDUCTING research on the IMPORTANCE OF
PRESRIBED FIRE to snake ecology
34 TOWNS
RESTORE HABITAT
1,100 250
ACRES
prescribed fires
TREES PLANTED
American Chestnut Trees planted
24
Photo: Dirk Stevenson
CITIZEN SCIENCE initiative
Involving the public in scientific-based conservation projects is an important initiative for the Orianne Society. It provides a direct link between our projects and citizens who are interested in conserving reptiles and amphibians. Our Citizen Science Initiative allows us to collect important data from a wider area than we would be able to by simply using Orianne staff.
DATABASE PROJECT
PLACES YOU’VE NEVER HERPED
Photo: Dirk Stevenson
INDIGO DAYS
Photo: Heidi Hall
Photo:
Photo: Pete Oxford
Orianne’s current Citizen Science projects include special place-based events, Indigo Days and Places You Have Never Herped, and broader-scale data solicitation projects that will result in a comprehensive herpetological database. This database will allow the public to enter data at any time and thus have the opportunity to continually interact with the organization and contribute to our conservation efforts by sharing valuable scientific data.
26
PLACE-BASED
Photo: Chase McLean
projects
Our Citizen Science Initiative includes two field events, Places You Have Never Herped and Indigo Days. Both offer opportunities for Orianne Society members to spend time in the field with Orianne staff. The first Places You Have Never Herped event was held in southeastern Georgia in 2012, and we have hosted three additional events: one each in Georgia, North Carolina and Florida.
We are also working with our partners to identify and map areas in North America with high herpetological diversity as well as rare species. With set guidelines to identify these Priority Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Areas (PARCAs), herpetological experts can then create PARCA boundaries within their states.
Photo: Dirk Stevenson
Our first Indigo Days event, held in December 2013 at the Orianne Indigo Snake Preserve, was a great success and will continue to be an annual event. Indigo Days allows us an opportunity to showcase our Orianne Indigo Snake Preserve and to show members what we do on a dayto-day basis to conserve these species, including surveying for Eastern Indigo Snakes and Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes. Both place-based events allow us to get out into the field with our members to educate them and to collect valuable data for our projects.
Accomplishments
IDENTIFIED
85 PARCAs across
AL, FL, GA, NC & SC
REACHED
70,000 at
EVENTS & PRESENTATIONS
CONDUCTED TARGETED SPECIES SURVEYS
Future Goals
14 PYNH Events with
540 attendees
9INDIGO DAYS Events PARCA s CREATE PLANS with
360 attendees
to consider climate change & population growth
Photo: Dirk Stevenson
& CITIZEN SCIENCE BIOBLITZ EVENTS
EDUCATE PEOPLE
about the value of reptiles & amphibians 28
GLOBAL DATABASE
Photo: Pete Oxford
projects
We are now taking steps to develop a global herpetological database that will be built through a combination of focused projects addressing a specific citizen science question, as well as a broader database meant to store opportunistic observations from the general public.
SPOTTED SALAMANDER
This database structure will not only provide us with continuous data from the public, but it will also give us the flexibility to immediately gather data for herpetological conservation questions and initiatives as they arise. We have developed a project called Snapshots in Time to begin compiling citizen-collected data. Our initial efforts have been focused on collecting data for Spotted Salamanders and Wood Frogs, but in upcoming years, we will be adding additional species to this project.
95 OBSERVATIONS
database projects for Wood Frogs & Spotted for Snaphots in Time Salamanders in first 6 months of project
Future Goals
4,350 OBSERVATIONS 250 OBSERVATIONS 250 OBSERVATIONS
WOOD FROG
for Global Herp Database created to implement Snapshots in Time project of Spotted Salamanders & Wood Frogs in 15-20 states for each species of Longleaf Pine Snakes
Photo: Todd Pierson
INITIATED
Photo: Pete Oxford
Accomplishments
30
Photo: Pete Oxford
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
WOOD TURTLE
Though we currently focus on our three primary initiatives, we do conduct strategically-selected projects that have the potential to develop into focal initiatives in the future. This includes our work with Wood Turtles in the northern Appalachian Mountains and Bushmasters in both Costa Rica and Panama. Wood Turtles are a globally-endangered turtle primarily distributed in northeastern North America that depend on large landscapes with healthy rivers and undeveloped uplands for survival. We are now partnering with Vermont Fish and Wildlife to assess populations in the Northern Appalachians. We also plan to conduct inventories to document populations and to grow the program, focusing on a priority watershed using research, land protection/restoration and education to conserve this rare species.
CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN for WOOD TURTLES
ASSESS STATUS of
WOOD TURTLES to estimate
Photo: Pete Oxford
Future Goals CREATE a
POPULATION & REPRODUCTION and
OCCUPANCY & DISTRIBUTION
BUSHMASTER Photo: Pete Oxford
Accomplishments Future Goals
We are working in Costa Rica and Panama to determine the status and the ecology of Black-headed Bushmasters and Central American Bushmasters. We are also working with our partners to develop local education and outreach programs to educate people about venomous snakes and to improve access to emergency healthcare for snakebite victims in the region. Our field studies, surveys and education programs will ultimately lead to conservation efforts for other species of Bushmasters.
DEVELOPED PARTNERSHIPS on the Osa Peninsula in COSTA RICA & PANAMA to enhance
CONSERVATION ACTIONS
CONDUCTED SURVEYS in Panama & Costa Rica
to IDENTIFY FIELD SITES, SOLIDIFY PARTNERSHIPS, & ENHANCE TECHNIQUES
DEVELOP
EDUCATION MODULES for VENOMOUS SNAKES DEVELOP & IMPLEMENT
REGULAR SURVEYS and RADIO TELEMETRY EFFORTS to locate & assess
BUSHMASTERS
& THEIR HABITATS
32
d a
HEALTHY ECOSYSTEMS REQUIRE HEALTHY ANIMAL POPULATIONS & HEALTHY ANIMAL POPULATIONS REQUIRE HEALTHY ECOSYSTEMS The decline of an ecosystem from the loss of a species is akin to an airplane crashing from the loss of a bolt.
G
If a plane loses one bolt in flight, it may not crash, but it will put stress on the other parts of the plane. If the bolt is never replaced, other pieces of the plane will begin to fall apart and will eventually lead to a crash.
The same can be said of our ecosystems.
As one species disappears from an ecosystem, it places stress on other species. It may translate into loss of prey and/or predators, but whatever the case, a chain reaction occurs and negatively impacts the ecosystem and all of the species living within it.
9
You can help us
MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
V
BECOME A MEMBER
{
PLAN YOUR GIVING
Supporters who donate $35 or more automatically become members of the Orianne Society. Members not only benefit from knowing they’re supporting reptile and amphibian conservation, but they also receive our monthly newsletters, biannual magazines, annual reports, a car decal and invitations to all Orianne events including some that are exclusive to members.
P
SPREAD THE WORD
C
Members can continue to support our conservation efforts throughout the year by scheduling a recurring donation of your choice on a monthly, quarterly, bi-yearly or yearly basis through our secure website or by contacting us directly.
We don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth when it comes to letting people know about our work and the ways they can contribute! Please consider sharing this book with others who have an interest in conservation, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
/OrianneSociety
L
@OrianneSociety
@OrianneSociety
Photo: Pete Oxford
Don’t just plan for your future--plan for the future of reptiles, amphibians and the great places they inhabit. Whether you prefer to set up an annual donation or a deferred gift, we can work with you to determine what you want your gift to support and how it will benefit these amazing animals and landscapes. Please contact us at info@oriannesociety.org or 706-353-7800 for more information about our planned giving opportunities.
9
BECOME A SUSTAINING DONOR
JOIN US AND BE A PART OF THIS EXCITING TRANSITION! www.OrianneSociety.org
34
PUTTING SCIENCE INTO ACTION
100 Phoenix Road, Athens, GA 30605
706-353-7800
info@oriannesociety.org
www.OrianneSociety.org
Front Cover Photos: Pete Oxford
AND GETTING RESULTS.