About
We seek to inform Nebraskans and visitors about the rich herpetological heritage contained in Nebraska's borders. Many people may feel frightened or uneasy about snakes, salamanders, frogs, and turtles. We hope that this site will help reduce that apprehension by providing accurate information about these important species in Nebraska's landscape. We also engage in research to help conserve these species as well as enhance our understanding of their role in the environment.
History
The herpetology lab at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln holds turtles, salamanders, frogs, and snakes for conservation, education, and research. Since some of the species are on Nebraska's endangered/threatened species list, significant efforts are made to care and protect the animals.
The animals under the lab's care are carefully and regularly evaluated to ensure that they maintain good health. The lab table (pictured at the right) is where the animals can be evaluated, and treated if needed. One significant aspect of the lab is that its work with herps has improved animal husbandry practices and therefore increased the ability of zoos and other live-animal facilities to preserve and conserve threatened species in a controlled environment.
Lead PI
Dennis Ferraro is the resident herpetologist and a professor of practice at the School of Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He has been a UNL faculty member since 1990.
He is originally from Connecticut, and grew up fascinated with the creatures in and around ponds near his home. By the time he was in third grade, he knew what a herpetologist was and that he wanted to be one. "My mother started out being afraid of snakes, but after so many got loose in the house, she had to learn to live with it," he recalled. "My husbandry technique was not as refined as it is now. Now nothing gets out."
"My main goal in my career and in life is the conservation of amphibians, reptiles and turtles in North America," he said. Ferraro maintains the university's live animal lab of native Herpetofauna - that's reptiles and amphibians - for research and educational purposes, and has developed a health and medical protocol for the animals' care.
Contact
Dennis Ferraro, UNL Herpetologist
Professor of Practice
415 Hardin Hall
3310 Holdrege St.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE 68583-0974
dferraro1@unl.edu 402.492.2155