Advancement

Reptile and Amphibian Study

    1. Describe the identifying characteristics of six species of reptiles and four species of amphibians found in the United States. For any four of these, make sketches from your own observations or take photographs. Show markings, color patterns, or other characteristics that are important in the identification of each of the four species. Discuss the habits and habitats of all 10 species.
    2. Discuss with your merit badge counselor the approximate number of species and general geographic distribution of reptiles and amphibians in the United States. Prepare a list of the most common species found in your local area or state.
    3. Describe the main differences between
      1. Amphibians and reptiles
      2. Alligators and crocodiles
      3. Toads and frogs
      4. Salamanders and lizards
      5. Snakes and lizards
    4. Explain how reptiles and amphibians are an important component of the natural environment. List four species that are officially protected by the federal government or by the state you live in, and tell why each is protected. List three species of reptiles and three species of amphibians found in your local area that are not protected. Discuss the food habits of all 10 species.
    5. Describe how reptiles and amphibians reproduce.
    6. From observation, describe how snakes move forward. Describe the functions of the muscles, ribs, and belly plates.
    7. Describe in detail six venomous snakes and the one venomous lizard found in the United States. Describe their habits and geographic range. Tell what you should do in case of a bite by a venomous species.
    8. Maintain one or more reptiles or amphibians for at least a month. Record the food accepted, eating methods, changes in coloration, shedding of skins, and general habits; or keep the eggs of a reptile from the time of laying until hatching; or keep the eggs of an amphibian from the time of laying until their transformation into tadpoles (frogs) or larvae (salamanders).
    9. Do TWO of the following:
      1. Identify at night three kinds of toads or frogs by their voices. Imitate the song of each for your counselor. Stalk each with a flashlight and discover how each sings and from where.
      2. Find and identify (by sight) eight species of reptiles or amphibians.
      3. Give a brief talk to a small group on the subject of reptiles and amphibians. Use at least three living specimens you have collected.
    10. Tell five superstitions about reptiles and amphibians and give a correct explanation for each. Give seven examples of unusual behavior or other true facts about reptiles and amphibians.

    NOTE: Scouts must not use venomous reptiles in fulfilling requirements 8 and 9. Species listed by federal or state law as endangered, protected, or threatened must not be used as live specimens in completing requirements 8 or 9c unless official permission had been given. In most cases all specimens should be returned to the wild at the location of original capture after the requirements have been met. Check with your merit badge counselor for those instances where the return of these specimens would not be appropriate.

    Under the Endangered Species Act of 1973,some plant and animals are or may be protected by federal law. The same ones and/or others may by protected by state law. Be sure that you do not collect protected species.

    Your state may require that you purchase and carry a license to collect certain species. Check with the wildlife and fish and game officials in your state regarding species regulations before you begin to collect.