VIDEO CAPTION: HCI MICHAEL DEE GRANT RECIPIENT Christopher Gatto conducting sea turtle research.

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our Projects

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Click below to learn more about our various conservation efforts around the world both past and present.
​Is there a project you think HCI should take a look at? Feel free to let us know about it! While funding is limits our ability to get involved with ever fantastic project we are always happy to hear about projects that fit our Mission Statement. Contact us at: info@herpconservation.com 

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Current Projects

The Lake Buhi Bockadam Survey Project

Funded in part by the Harold K. Voris Aquatic Snake Research & Conservation Grant this project, is a collaborative effort with those from the United States and the Philippines, we aim to (i) identify the true distribution of C. microlepis both in and out of the lake, (ii) investigate their evolutionary relationships, and (iii) assess the levels of gene flow between populations in and outside of the lake using genome-scale DNA sequence data and quantitative landscape (riverscape) genomic analyses. While river systems are often thought of as barriers to gene flow between populations, they can act as highways of migration and gene flow for aquatic populations. To understand the importance of not just Lake Buhi, but also the surrounding rivers, to the stability of C. microlepis, as well as how Cerberus populations help sustain the ecologically and economically valuable fish populations in this region, these first steps of disentangling the relationships of the geographic landscape and population genomics are of utmost value.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

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CARE: Chytrid Awareness Program

CARE: Chytrid Awareness for Retreats and Ecolodges. This is a brand new HCI initiative aimed at equipping private reserves and ecolodges with informative posters and brochures, to warn guests of the risks of human transported Chytridiomycosis BD. Additionally we will provide these destinations information on steps they can take to prevent the spread of Chytrid onto their property, including simple but effective protocols and procedures to follow. 

Click Here To Learn More

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ONGoing HCI Funded REsearch 

Project: Cryptic Speciation Of Fanged-Frogs In The Volcanoes of Java and Sumatra. 
Researcher: Thornton Larson
2019- Current

Project: Using Multi-Species Experimental and Observation Data to Inform Conservation Planning. 
Researcher: Anna Thonis
2020- Current

Project: Blunt Nosed Leopard Lizard Hydrophysiology
Researcher: Savannah Weaver
2020- Current

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PAST Funded Research and Projects

The Gerry Martin Project: Russels Viper Telemetry

Snake-human conflicts are always a hurdle when dealing with reptile conservation. The Gerry Martin Project, with the permission and assistance of the Karnataka Forest Department, initiated the first ever statistically sound ecology study of snakes in India.  The Russell’s viper is the study subject primarily because of the high level of conflict between humans and this species as well as the general public’s loathing and fear of this snake. After reviewing the project and seeing the funding need, HCI became a major financial backer of this effort. It is our hope, this project will not only aid in improving the regions severe human-snake conflict issues, but also serve to increase the communities acceptance of snake species like the Russell's viper.

Project: Project Pondo 

HCI’s project centered on endangered Dwarf Chameleons is currently on hold. Stay tuned 2021 for updates.
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Project: The Role of Moisture During Incubation On Sea Turtle Hatchling Dispersal Ability. 
Researcher: Christopher Gatto
2018- 2020 (published)

Project: King Cobra Telemetry Work at Agumbe Rainforest Research Station
Researcher: Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
2017

Project: The Reptile Diversity In African Savannas Field Course with
Researcher: Dr. Bryan Maritz
2017

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