H.A.C. -Reptile and Amphibian Study Traditional Geocache
H.A.C. -Reptile and Amphibian Study
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size:  (regular)
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Boys always have been interested in snakes, turtles, lizards, and
alligators, as well as frogs and salamanders. Developing knowledge
about these captivating creatures leads to an appreciation for all
native wildlife; understanding the life cycle of a reptile or
amphibian and keeping one as a pet can be a good introduction to
natural history; and knowing about venomous species can help Scouts
to be prepared to help in case of an emergency.
Requirements
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 merit badge 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
1. Amphibians and reptiles
2. Alligators and crocodiles
3. Toads and frogs
4. Salamanders and lizards
5. 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. Describe how reptiles and 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:
1. 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).
2. Choose a reptile or amphibian that you can observe at a local
zoo, aquarium, nature center, or other such exhibit (such as your
classroom or school). Study the specimen weekly for a period 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. 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:
1. 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.
2. Identify by sight eight species of reptiles or amphibians.
3. 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.
NOTE: Scouts must not use venomous reptiles in fulfilling
requirement 8a. Species listed by federal or state law as
endangered, protected, or threatened must not be used as live
specimens in completing requirement 8a unless official permission
has been given. In most cases, all specimens should be returned to
the wild at the location of capture after the requirement has been
met. Check with your merit badge 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.
You'll be following a nice and flat wide mowed trail most of the
way to the cache. The last .20 you'll have to do a little
bushwacking, walking around water, avoiding mud. This area has
quite the animal life. You can find frogs, fish, snakes (I avoided
all of them for a change), turtles. In the summer make sure you
take along the bug spray, the reptiles aren't able to eat all of
the sketters. This area is open to public hunting!!
And don't worry there is no alligators in the area.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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