AMPHIBIANS & REPTILES

MMNS Herpetology Research
Contact Bob Jones

Research Interests

• Status and distribution of reptiles and amphibians in Mississippi
• Life history, ecology, and density of Graptemys oculifera in the Pearl River.
• Movements of turtle species between the Tennessee and Tombigbee rivers via the Tenn-Tom Waterway.
• Status of reptiles and amphibians on state parks and wildlife management areas.

Amphibian Monitoring

What is MAMP?
The Mississippi Amphibian Monitoring Program is a volunteer based anuran (frogs and toads) statewide monitoring system to help keep track of Mississippi's frog population. MAMP was first established in 2001 with 6 surveyed routes. There are now over 60 routes statewide. MAMP follows protocol set by  NAAMP, the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program. 

Each route is surveyed by a volunteer 3 times a year, in the late winter, spring, and summer. The route has 10 stops located near a wetland, pond, stream or other water feature. Each stop is monitored for 5 minutes and all calls heard are recorded according to a calling index. Data is then entered online.

Why is MAMP Needed?
Data gathered on MAMP routes will contribute to information on the distribution of frogs and toads in Mississippi. This data will be added to that gathered around the nation to get a picture of how species are doing through their ranges. Several species of frogs are listed on Mississippi's Species of Greatest Conservation Need list. These species are either already listed as threatened or endangered or there is concern that they will become so. The long term monitoring provided by MAMP will help us get a better understanding of the health of frog populations and may enable us to help critical habitats before it's too late.

Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers are needed to run MAMP routes statewide. For more information about becoming a volunteer contact the coordinator at kathys@mdwfp.state.ms.us or call 601-528-5705.

All MAMP volunteers must first pass the  online NAAMP quiz. You will require an observer number and route number to access the NAAMP quiz. The public quiz, located on the same page, is great practice and is open to all.

Volunteer Resources

• MAMP Survey protocol
• MAMP Datasheet
• Data Entry Page
• Frog Call lookup