Reptile and Amphibian Study
Resources
- Reptile and Amphibian Study Workbook
- Scoutmaster Bucky's Merit Badge Advancement Quick Reference
- Scoutmaster Bucky's Acknowledgement Form
Related
Reptile and Amphibian Study Requirements Current Scouts BSA requirements
as of March 8, 2025
as of March 8, 2025
NOTE: Scouts must not use venomous reptiles in fulfilling requirement 8a.
When you decide keeping your specimen is no longer possible or desired, be
sure to find another appropriate home for it or return it to the wild at
the location of capture. Check with your counselor for those instances
where the return of these specimens would not be appropriate. Under the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, some plants and animals are, or may be,
protected by federal law. The same ones and/or others may be 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.
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 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
a.
Amphibians and reptiles
b.
Alligators and crocodiles
c.
Toads and frogs
d.
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.
Compare how reptiles reproduce to how 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.
Do ONE of the following:
a.
Take custody of one or more reptiles or amphibians in a manner approved
by your counselor. Maintain one or more reptiles or amphibians for at
least a month. Record 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). Whichever you chose, keep
records of and report to your counselor how you cared for your
animal/eggs/larvae to include lighting, habitat, temperature and
humidity maintenance and any veterinary care requirements. Unless you
are the long-term owner, at the conclusion of this study, turn the
animal(s) over to another responsible party approved by your counselor.
b.
(b) Choose a reptile or amphibian that you can observe or foster at a
local zoo, aquarium, nature center, local rescue, or other such exhibit
(such as your classroom or school). Study the specimen weekly for a
periods of three months. At each visit, sketch the specimen in its
captive habitat and note any changes in its coloration, shedding of
skins, and general habits and behavior. Discuss with your counselor how
the animal you observed was cared for to include its housing and
habitat, how the lighting, temperature, and humidity were maintained,
and any veterinary care requirements. Find out, either from information
you locate on your own or by talking to the caretaker, what this species
eats and what are its native habitat and home range, preferred climate,
average life expectancy, and natural predators. Also identify any
human-caused threats to its population and any laws that protect the
species and its habitat. After the observation period, share what you
have learned with your counselor.
9.
Do TWO of the following:
a.
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.
b.
Identify by sight eight species of reptiles or amphibians.
c.
Using visual aids, give a brief talk to a small group on three
different reptiles and amphibians.
10.
Tell five superstitions or false beliefs 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.
