As the Herps of Texas Project grows, 4,094 observations and counting, we are starting to look at ways that we can use the data. With Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN), we are working with NatureServe to help Herps of Texas communicate directly with TPWD’s Texas Natural Diversity Database. With some species, we will also be using the observations for distribution modeling. In any case, we want to make sure that observers are aware that by submitting your observations, they will be used. For the sake of clarity, we are adding the following phrase to the Project Terms:

“By adding your observations to this project, you are giving the curators and affiliated institutions permission to use the observations for conservation and research purposes. This use includes the potential back up of photographs for verification purposes, but does not grant permission for the publication or other commercial use of photographs.”

Please let us know if you have any questions or comments. We look forward to posting any interesting highlights here in the project journal.