Reference Guides

What was that snake in the grass? What kinds of turtles could be living in the pond down the street? Check out our reference guides online (pdf). If your organization would like to print booklets for distribution, download the "for print" version. There is even a handy space to fill in your logo. Feel free to contact us if you have any problems!

A Quick Reference Guide to Ontario's Snakes (web viewing and regular printing)

A Quick Reference Guide to Ontario's Snakes (11X17 borderless booklet printing)

A Quick Reference Guide to Ontario's Turtles (web viewing and borderless 8.5x11 printing)

A Quick Reference Guide to Ontario's Turtles (11x17 borderless booklet printing) -- coming soon

A Quick Reference Guide to Helping Reptiles and Amphibians (web viewing and regular printing)

A Quick Reference Guide to Helping Reptiles and Amphibians (11x17 borderless booklet printing) -- coming soon

Ontario Elementary School Curriculum Materials

 

Links - Reptile and Amphibian Resources

Canadian Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Network (CarcNET)

Check out this site for quizzes, information on important areas, news of conferences in Canada, and much more.

Toronto Zoo - Adopt a Pond

Here you will find a myriad of resources! Species guides, frog calls, ways to get involved in wetland conservation...loads of great information. *a note that many status listings on this site are out of date, please refer to the COSEWIC or SARO sites for accurate status listings for species*

Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC)

Endangered? Threatened? Special Concern? Who determines this, and what do they mean? Information on the federal process of listing species as "at-risk" can be found here. Do a species search, read reports, learn about what factors are causing declines in your favourite species (mammals, birds, fish, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, plants...)

Species At Risk in Ontario

There is a high diversity of species in Ontario, especially when considering the reptiles and amphibians! Here you will find information pertaining to Ontario species at risk, and how provincial designations of "at-risk" are made. While these are often the same designations given by the federal body (COSEWIC), sometimes they can be different. Whether you want to learn more about at risk species in your area, or look at the legislation that determines "risk" and how we recovery these species, this is a great resource.

 

Books and DVD's

	Title	Author	Description
DVD's and Educational Programs
	Life in Cold Blood	David Attenborough - BBC	The BBC 'Life' series contains excellent documentaries on a wide range of biological topics, including mammals, birds, invertebrates, the oceans, and of course...reptiles and amphibians. Life in Cold Blood reveals some of the more fascinating reptiles and amphibians around the world! Worth the watch. There is also a book with the same material!
	Cane Toads - An Unnatural History		A humourous and revealing look at the impact of invasive species on native ecosystems, as well as impacts on residents (positive and negative).
Children's Books/Activity Books
	Uncover It - Frog, Cobra, T-Rex	various authors	Interested in facts about your favourite animals? These books take you beneath the skins of a variety of animals, and are chock full of interesting facts and mythbusters to keep any mind busy. The link should take you to the frog version, but there is also a cobra...and a t-rex!
	Snakes - Their Place in the Sun	Robert M. McClung	An oldie, but still a goodie! A great beginner book for introducing little ones to snake biology
Non-fiction Adult
	Snakebit - Confessions of a Herpetologist	Leslie Anthony	A full out journey through life as a herpetologist. Get an indepth look at the subculture of those who study reptiles and amphibians, learn a bit more of the biology behind the beasts, and travel the world in search of adventure! A throughoughly amusing read, for current and future herpetologists, and those just curious!
	Mean and Lowly Things - Snakes, Science, and Survival in the Congo	Kate Jackson	Take a trip into the wilds of the Congo, as a novice herpetologist and young woman, Kate Jackson meets faces many trials in living her dream collecting for museums and cataloguing the diversity of reptiles and amphibians in areas where it is sorely needed. An interesting look not only at reptiles and amphibians of the Congo, but the trials of conducting field work.
	In Cold Blood
Reference/Field Guides
	Reptiles and Amphibians of Ontario - Royal Ontario Museum		A quick and simple guide for those looking to identify reptiles and amphibians in Ontario. The geographic specialization means you won't be confused by similar species that do not occure in Ontario. Well written and easy to navigate.
	Amphibians and Reptiles of the Great Lakes Region		Sticking around the Great Lakes? Want to know a little bit more about those species? The Great Lakes Guide is much more in depth than the ROM guide, and also has some degree of specialization in terms of geography. Species descriptions are very in depth.
	Reptiles and Amphibians of North America		Know a bit about your herps? Want to travel North America? This guide is one of the better North American guides. Because it has more species in it, it can be a bit harder to navigate quickly. Great for the more serious herpetologist, or the traveller.

We Recommend...

While you’re in our area, we recommend you also check out these spots:

Muskoka Wildlife Centre is just 20 minutes north of us on Highway 11 in Severn Bridge.  This excellent facility also has some reptiles and amphibians, but their main focus is on Ontario’s mammals and birds.

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre is 30 minutes west of us on Highway 12 near Midland.  This nationally significant wetland also features a nature centre and extensive children’s programming.