OUR COMMITMENT
At Herpetological Associates, Inc., our commitment is to deliver high-quality ecological and environmental consulting services that are both scientifically rigorous and cost-effective. Serving the Mid-Atlantic region—including all of New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, and eastern and central Pennsylvania—we approach every project with a clear purpose: to generate accurate, defensible results that support responsible decision-making and long-term environmental stewardship.
We recognize that no two projects are identical. For that reason, we tailor our work to meet the specific goals, constraints, and regulatory requirements of each client. Every survey, assessment, and planning effort is conducted with careful attention to scope, precision, and practical application—ensuring that the work is not only technically sound, but also relevant to the real-world needs of development, conservation, and compliance.
With a team of experienced environmental scientists/herpetologist, we offer a multidisciplinary approach to complex environmental challenges. Our expertise spans threatened and endangered species surveys, ecological land-use planning, and mitigation strategies. By integrating field-based knowledge with strong technical reporting and planning insight, we help clients navigate environmental concerns efficiently while maintaining respect for the ecosystems and species impacted by land-use decisions.
Ultimately, our commitment is not simply to complete projects, but to provide clients with reliable guidance, professional integrity, and environmental solutions that stand up to both regulatory review and scientific standards.
Robert T. Zappalorti Sr., CEO & Founder
Discover Herpetological Associates, Inc. Capabilities & Specialties
Herpetological Associates, Inc. provides a comprehensive range of environmental consulting and planning services specializing in threatened and endangered (T&E) species, their ecology, and conservation. With more than 49 years of experience, our firm has conducted extensive surveys, tracking, and trapping studies involving a wide variety of reptiles, amphibians, birds, and rare plant species.
Our work is performed throughout the eastern United States, with a primary focus on the Mid-Atlantic region, including New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, and eastern and central Pennsylvania. These services support residential and commercial development, utility and linear infrastructure projects, mitigation and management planning, and research-oriented investigations.
Herpetological Associates, Inc. is qualified to conduct all phases of threatened and endangered species investigations, including Phase I habitat evaluations, Phase II presence-or-absence surveys, and Phase III intensive trapping studies, in accordance with state and federal regulatory requirements.
Our staff is experienced in surveying, trapping, and studying both state- and federally-listed species, including the federally listed bog turtle. T&E species surveys are conducted in areas regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Pinelands Commission, among other agencies. In addition, HA provides on-site environmental monitoring services during construction activities, including work involving venomous snake species, when required by permit conditions.
If you’re considering retaining our services, please visit our service page or contact page.
Ecological Services
Herpetological Associates, Inc. specializes in habitat evaluations and presence/absence surveys for state- and federally-listed threatened and endangered species throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, including New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Connecticut. Our work supports environmental permitting, land-use planning, and regulatory compliance for a wide range of public and private projects.
Over the past 49 years, Herpetological Associates, Inc. has completed more than 1,400 threatened and endangered species studies, involving a broad spectrum of rare and protected plant and animal species. All investigations are conducted in accordance with applicable state and federal regulatory requirements and have consistently received favorable reviews from environmental agencies.
When threatened or endangered plant or wildlife species are identified, we work closely with project teams and regulatory agencies to develop mitigation and conservation plans, when required, to offset potential environmental impacts. These plans are designed to minimize habitat disturbance, protect sensitive ecological resources, and ensure full compliance with environmental permits and approval conditions.
Our extensive field experience and regional knowledge allow us to provide clear, defensible data that supports responsible project planning, facilitates regulatory approval, and promotes long-term environmental stewardship across the Mid-Atlantic region.
Biological Monitoring
Biological monitoring involves the presence of qualified biologists on-site during construction and land-disturbance activities to observe, document, and protect plant and animal species. The purpose of biological monitoring is to prevent impacts to protected species, verify compliance with environmental permit conditions, and allow for immediate response if threatened or endangered species are encountered. These services are commonly required by regulatory agencies such as the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the New Jersey Pinelands Commission, the New Jersey Highlands Commissions, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
During active construction, biological monitors conduct pre-activity inspections and observe clearing, excavation, and trenching operations within approved work areas. Monitors identify wildlife activity, suitable habitat, or species presence and coordinate protective measures when necessary. If protected species are encountered, monitors may recommend work stoppages or modifications and ensure that approved mitigation measures are implemented. All activities are carefully documented to demonstrate full compliance with permit requirements.
Environmental Monitoring for Infrastructure Projects
Environmental monitoring for infrastructure projects provides compliance oversight during the construction and maintenance of linear projects such as pipelines, utility corridors, fiber-optic installations, and access roads. These projects often extend across large areas and multiple habitat types, increasing the potential for impacts to wetlands, sensitive ecosystems, and protected resources. Environmental monitoring helps ensure that construction activities proceed in accordance with approved environmental permits and regulations.
Monitoring services support contractors and utility company’s by identifying environmental constraints, verifying adherence to permit conditions, and minimizing ecological disturbance during construction. Through ongoing field oversight and coordination with project personnel and agencies, environmental monitoring reduces regulatory risk, prevents delays, and helps projects move forward responsibly while protecting natural resources.
Two-Headed Timber Rattlesnake
Pine Barrens Treefrog
Atlantic Coast Leopard Frog
Northern Pine Snake
Our Founders Latest Book: The Bog Turtle
We are proud to announce, Robert T. Zappalorti’s latest book: “The Bog Turtle, Natural History And Conservation.”
The bog turtle belongs to the large family Emydidae, which includes semi-aquatic pond and marsh turtles known for their colorful and diverse hard shells in the United States. Unfortunately, bog turtle populations have gradually declined across their entire range due to habitat loss, fragmentation of connecting habitats, wetland pollution, and illegal collection.
This book offers in-depth natural history information on bog turtles, covering their taxonomic background, survival tactics, predators, reproductive biology, foraging habits, diet, habitat preferences, hibernation strategies, and conservation efforts. Author Robert T. Zappalorti guides readers through a step-by-step journey to explore the fascinating world of this unique turtle. Welcome to the secret world of the bog turtle.
The Bog Turtle is available on backorder, in paperback for $29.95, or for the limited-edition leather-bound copy for $129.95. Click Here to order.