Ecological & Environmental Consulting Services

Herpetological Associates (HA) provides ecological consulting and wildlife survey services for threatened and endangered (T&E) species. We offer a full range of environmental consulting services throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, primarily serving clients in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, and Connecticut.

For more than 49 years, HA has conducted over 1,400 threatened and endangered species studies involving protected plant and animal species, with particular expertise on state and federally listed species, including the Bog Turtle. Through decades of experience working with reptiles and amphibians, we have earned the respect of state and federal regulatory agencies. Our work has included studies of protected species such as the Southern Gray Treefrog, Tiger Salamander, Corn Snake, Pine Snake, and Timber Rattlesnake.

Yellow Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)

Ecological Services

We conduct habitat evaluations and presence/absence surveys for state and federally listed threatened and endangered species.  Services include:

• Habitat evaluations
• Phase II Presence / absence surveys
• Threatened and endangered species Study Plans
• Environmental permitting support
• Conservation and Management planning

Biological Monitoring

Biological monitoring helps protect sensitive plant and animal species during land-disturbance activities. Our qualified biologists provide on-site monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental permits. Monitoring services include:

• On-site biological monitoring during construction
• Identification of sensitive species and habitats
• Documentation of protected species
• Regulatory compliance monitoring

Threatened & Endangered Reptile and Amphibian Surveys

Herpetological Associates specializes in surveys for threatened and endangered reptile and amphibian species. Survey services include:

• Presence / absence surveys
• Habitat evaluations
• Identification of potential habitat
• Radio telemetry studies
• Identifying the location of denning, nesting, and breeding habitats

Threatened & Endangered Bird (Avian) Surveys

Our team provides professional avian survey services and habitat assessments. Avian services include:

• Presence / absence of rare bird surveys
• Nest location surveys
• Avian habitat assessments
• Environmental consulting for development projects

These studies determine whether protected bird species occur within a project site.

Biological Inventories

We conduct biological inventories on public and private lands to document wildlife species and habitat conditions. Inventory services include:

• Reptile species inventories
• Amphibian species inventories
• Bird species inventories
• Habitat mapping
• Documentation of key habitat features
• Identification of biodiversity hotspots

Bog Turtle Surveys

HA has over 50 years’ experience surveying for Bog Turtles, with publications on research conducted in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. HA currently employs one full-time staff bog turtle expert, Quillyn Bickley, who has been qualified by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and several State Agencies. We are fully qualified to assist private landowners, developers, utilities, and non-profit organizations with all aspects of bog turtle surveys, including habitat evaluations, presence/absence surveys, and trapping surveys in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

• Habitat Evaluation – Phase I Survey

HA can perform these surveys at any time of the year, provided there is no significant snow cover in the wetland. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and associated State Agencies also recommend that the ground not be frozen. It is best to contact us for habitat assessments before April 15, in the event that a Phase II survey is necessary.

• Presence/Absence Survey – Phase II Survey

If potential habitat is present on a property, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and associated State Agencies will require that a Phase II survey be conducted before any clearing or development begins. This type of survey is intended to determine whether bog turtles inhabit the wetland in question. These surveys can only be conducted between April 15 and June 15 due to the seasonal nesting activity of the Bog Turtle.

• Trapping Survey – Phase III Survey

HA has conducted numerous live-trapping studies for Bog Turtles, and we are recognized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and associated State Agencies as qualified trappers. Trapping is performed as an additional method for determining the presence or absence of this secretive species. HA recommends trapping for certain types of wetlands, or when Phase II surveys are initiated late in the survey window. When conducted in conjunction with a Phase II survey, trapping increases the likelihood of capturing a bog turtle. Conversely, when no turtles are caught, the use of this method increases the confidence level that no turtles are present and helps ensure that projects are approved in a timely fashion.

* = Federally Threatened

Threatened & Endangered Species Surveys

HA has almost 50 years’ experience surveying, tracking, and trapping for a variety of reptiles, amphibians, birds, and rare plants. HA is qualified by the NJ Pinelands Commission to conduct Threatened & Endangered (T&E) species surveys.  The NJ-DEP Endangered Species Program also issues permits to HA to conduct T&E Species Environmental Monitoring. This includes monitoring for venomous snakes at all three impact levels; primary, secondary, and tertiary. HA’s team of venomous snake monitors are qualified to conduct habitat and winter den evaluations, environmental impact studies, residential and commercial environmental monitoring, and work area relocations for state listed Timber Rattlesnakes and Eastern Copperheads. We can provide monitors at any project occurring within known range of state-listed species. HA can provide either a Phase I, or a more detailed Phase II survey.  We can also provide environmental monitoring, depending on the species or potential impact of the project. Requirements and guidelines vary depending on state and local jurisdiction, however most survey windows outside of Phase I, can only occur from spring to fall. Exact dates will vary depending on the species. HA’s team specializes in the following services for T&E species:

• Drift Fence Trapping Surveys
• Critical Habitat Evaluation of Wetlands
• Environmental Project Monitoring for T&E Species including Venomous Snakes
• Mitigation Plan Design & Implementation
• Radio-Tracking Studies of Snakes and Turtles
• Environmental Impact Statements
• Plant and Wildlife Technical Reports
• Location Coordination and Technical Support for Film Producers
• Wildlife Photography for Book Publishers