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Why Do Scientists Still Collect Rare Snakes? 🐍 In this reprinted classic from The Monitor (1990), legendary herpetologist Dr. Sherman Minton defends the value of scientific collecting and voucher specimens—even for rare or vanishing species. With tales of Indiana’s mud snakes, cottonmouths, and a mysterious coral snake, this timeless piece reminds us why well-documented records matter in conservation.

By Mary A. Hylton If you’re longing for a bit of peace and harmony in the world these days, take a drive down to Posey County in the southwest corner of the state, approximately 30 miles north of Evansville, to the tiny town of New Harmony. There you just might find a slice of that peace you’re seeking. Every couple of years, my husband and I travel to this beloved destination to restore peace of mind and restoration of spirit. Before we retired, such jaunts became extremely

2025 Bioblitz at Eagle Marsh - Herp Team Recap

Winter is perfect for prepping your herping skills! Learn to ID species, explore books, and plan trips for spring adventures. 🐍🐸 #Herping

Indiana Wildlife Rehabilitators’ workshop covered native turtle care, urban threats, and conservation tips.

HHS Partners with Holliday Park on Survey

By L. Yusnaviel Garcia-Padron yusnaviel@gmail.com In the Caribbean region (known in science as West Indies) we have 197 species of amphibians and 539 reptiles (Henderson and Powell, 2009), which more than 95% of total are endemic to the area (Crother, 1999). Cuba is the largest island in the West Indies, with 42,426 mi²; to put under perspective, Cuba is slightly smaller in size as Ohio State (44,826 mi²) and has similar population than Michigan State (little more than 10 mil

By Jim Horton Sherman Anthony Minton Jr. (24 February 1919 – 15 June 1999) was an American physician, herpetologist and toxicologist, who conducted the earliest detailed modern studies of amphibians and reptiles in Pakistan. He was a leading expert on sea snakes, snake bites, and venom properties. He has been dubbed, “The Father of Modern Indiana and Pakistani Herpetology. Sherman grew up in New Albany Indiana and quickly developed an interest in herpetology. We went to India