Species sightings and data management
We collect species information for the herpetofauna database, to create the Atlas of amphibians and reptiles. You can report your species observations.

Species observations are generally recorded on ARDS (Amphibian & Reptile Distribution Scheme) cards which are entered into the herpetofauna database which is administered by DOC.

The database contains descriptive, observational and voucher material data of terrestrial reptiles, amphibians, marine reptiles and tuatara. The data has been used to create the Atlas of amphibians and reptiles of New Zealand.

Use the Amphibian and Reptile Distribution Scheme (ARDS) cards to report sightings of amphibians and reptiles, and help us build our database.

Find out how species data is stored and collected and how you can help DOC with observations.