About ARC

About

What is arc?

ARC is the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on identifying and conserving the highest priority places for amphibians and reptiles in the United States. We protect endangered amphibians and reptiles through a strategic, scientific, and passionate approach that allows us to make a real difference.

We implement localized, on the ground conservation projects in PARCAs (Priority Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Areas) and weave them together across the country into a national strategy capable of making great impact. We act with the urgency required to save those species and ecosystems at greatest risk.

We believe the conservation of amphibians, reptiles, and the habitats they depend on is vitally important. In these important areas, we develop dynamic conservation programs that recover priority species, improve habitats, and ultimately restore ecosystems.

Bog Turtle

Oh, to be a hatchling bog turtle, soaking up the last days of fall sun before retreating under frozen mud to await warmer spring days. Enviable.

©José Garrido

northern red salamander

The state salamander of Virginia (no, really)

© Mike Martin

Why amphibians and reptiles?

Sonoran Whipsnake

This Sonoran whipsnake is escaping the humdrum of everyday life on the ground in search for the best view in the boulderfield. Real estate like this is covetted among everybody, even snakes.

© Nathan Shepard

Imperiled, misunderstood, and vitally important

Amphibians and reptiles are among the most threatened vertebrate groups in the world, experiencing rapid declines across the United States and beyond. While the causes for decline are multifaceted, all are grounded in one simple fact: As a society, we often don’t pay attention to critical elements of our ecosystem until it’s too late and they are lost forever. When amphibians and reptiles disappear forever, we not only lose an incredibly fascinating group of animals—we lose the glue that holds our healthy ecosystems together. The need for action has never been more urgent.

Want to learn more about conservation? See our work.
Why?
It’s more than practical.

For us, it's personal For us, it's personal For us, it's personal For us, it's personal

It's personal

American Bullfrog

The American bullfrog is a voracious predator. Luckily, it looks like she has this one under control.

© Steve Atkins, Fox Cove Photography

We deeply value a world in which a child can experience the wonder of finding a wild box turtle. Where flipping a rock in a stream uncovers a bright red salamander. We can’t fathom a world without these things. There are a million reasons why it’s environmentally practical to conserve amphibians and reptiles, but these childhood memories help drive our mission. Protecting healthy habitats and ecosystems for future generations means the world will never lose this sense of wonder and adventure—and, perhaps more importantly, it preserves a connection to nature and to something larger than ourselves.

Wild encounters with these fascinating and enthralling creatures are priceless memories that must be preserved.​ ARC's targeted conservation programs that protect ailing ecosystems make it possible for amphibians and reptiles to survive and thrive.

After all, people will only work to protect the things that they value and love. To protect the environment for the future, we must help children to value and love these priceless creatures.

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Our Team