The Orianne Society
@oriannesociety.bsky.social
The Orianne Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of imperiled reptiles and amphibians and the habitats they need to persist.
Learn more at www.orianne.org.
Learn more at www.orianne.org.
We often don’t do much #SpottedTurtle work in the fall and winter, however, this year is different. All the hard work Ben and Kira did tracking female turtles this summer eventually paid off, and we ended up finding 14 nests (32 eggs).
November 9, 2025 at 3:07 PM
We often don’t do much #SpottedTurtle work in the fall and winter, however, this year is different. All the hard work Ben and Kira did tracking female turtles this summer eventually paid off, and we ended up finding 14 nests (32 eggs).
A couple of years ago we were asked for input from the US Fish and Wildlife Service on whether including constructing wetlands as part of a #habitatrestoration project would benefit Wood Turtles. These artificial oxbows were created in late 2024, and in early 2025...
November 8, 2025 at 3:15 PM
A couple of years ago we were asked for input from the US Fish and Wildlife Service on whether including constructing wetlands as part of a #habitatrestoration project would benefit Wood Turtles. These artificial oxbows were created in late 2024, and in early 2025...
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Bryan Fry for a conversation about some of the world’s most venomous snakes. Bryan dives into his studies on venom, from how it evolved, to why it varies across a species’ range, to the medical challenges posed by these differences.
www.oriannesociety.org/snake-talk/
www.oriannesociety.org/snake-talk/
November 7, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Bryan Fry for a conversation about some of the world’s most venomous snakes. Bryan dives into his studies on venom, from how it evolved, to why it varies across a species’ range, to the medical challenges posed by these differences.
www.oriannesociety.org/snake-talk/
www.oriannesociety.org/snake-talk/
Conducting research in a fire-adapted landscape has its challenges. On Ben’s last visit to collect hydrology data from flatwoods salamander ponds, one of our PVC wells had melted in a recent prescribed fire. He replaced it, but it was a small price to pay for biodiverse, fire-maintained wetlands.
November 5, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Conducting research in a fire-adapted landscape has its challenges. On Ben’s last visit to collect hydrology data from flatwoods salamander ponds, one of our PVC wells had melted in a recent prescribed fire. He replaced it, but it was a small price to pay for biodiverse, fire-maintained wetlands.
Reminder for grad students working on herps in the Southeast!
The Orianne Society’s Grant Program for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation in the Southeast is accepting applications until 5PM EST, 21 November 2025.
Scan QR code or click here for details: www.oriannesociety.org/science-init...
The Orianne Society’s Grant Program for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation in the Southeast is accepting applications until 5PM EST, 21 November 2025.
Scan QR code or click here for details: www.oriannesociety.org/science-init...
November 4, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Reminder for grad students working on herps in the Southeast!
The Orianne Society’s Grant Program for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation in the Southeast is accepting applications until 5PM EST, 21 November 2025.
Scan QR code or click here for details: www.oriannesociety.org/science-init...
The Orianne Society’s Grant Program for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation in the Southeast is accepting applications until 5PM EST, 21 November 2025.
Scan QR code or click here for details: www.oriannesociety.org/science-init...
#WoodTurtles are opportunistic omnivores, which is a fancy way of saying they eat a little of everything, but we were not expecting to find this one feasting on a pile of day-old horse dung on our walk back from a habitat restoration planning session.
November 3, 2025 at 10:00 PM
#WoodTurtles are opportunistic omnivores, which is a fancy way of saying they eat a little of everything, but we were not expecting to find this one feasting on a pile of day-old horse dung on our walk back from a habitat restoration planning session.
In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Bryan Fry for a globe-spanning conversation about his adventures working with some of the world’s most venomous snakes. Bryan dives into his studies on venom, from how it evolved, to why it varies across a species’ range, to...
October 31, 2025 at 5:00 PM
In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Bryan Fry for a globe-spanning conversation about his adventures working with some of the world’s most venomous snakes. Bryan dives into his studies on venom, from how it evolved, to why it varies across a species’ range, to...
Step into a swamp where time stands still... McAulay Jaunsen’s Photo of the Month captures a living relic of America’s ancient past. You won’t believe the size of this primordial giant or the wild place it calls home.
See the full image: www.oriannesociety.org/photo-of-the...
See the full image: www.oriannesociety.org/photo-of-the...
October 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Step into a swamp where time stands still... McAulay Jaunsen’s Photo of the Month captures a living relic of America’s ancient past. You won’t believe the size of this primordial giant or the wild place it calls home.
See the full image: www.oriannesociety.org/photo-of-the...
See the full image: www.oriannesociety.org/photo-of-the...
Did you know some snakes babysit? New research and the Project RattleCam livestream are revealing that rattlesnakes and other species have surprisingly social lives. Check out this fascinating National Geographic story uncovering unexpected snake behaviors: www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/arti...
October 30, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Did you know some snakes babysit? New research and the Project RattleCam livestream are revealing that rattlesnakes and other species have surprisingly social lives. Check out this fascinating National Geographic story uncovering unexpected snake behaviors: www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/arti...
In this month’s Herp Journal, Andrea Colton ventures deep into Georgia’s forests to follow the secretive lives of Eastern Box Turtles. What she discovers about their movements and home ranges may surprise you - read the blog to explore her findings:
www.oriannesociety.org/herp-journal...
www.oriannesociety.org/herp-journal...
October 29, 2025 at 4:14 PM
In this month’s Herp Journal, Andrea Colton ventures deep into Georgia’s forests to follow the secretive lives of Eastern Box Turtles. What she discovers about their movements and home ranges may surprise you - read the blog to explore her findings:
www.oriannesociety.org/herp-journal...
www.oriannesociety.org/herp-journal...
The Wildlife Society recently featured Dr. Amanda Martin, a postdoctoral associate in fish and wildlife conservation at Virginia Tech, and some of the research that she led on Reticulated Flatwoods Salamanders. This work highlighted long-term habitat restoration and subsequent...
October 28, 2025 at 8:24 PM
The Wildlife Society recently featured Dr. Amanda Martin, a postdoctoral associate in fish and wildlife conservation at Virginia Tech, and some of the research that she led on Reticulated Flatwoods Salamanders. This work highlighted long-term habitat restoration and subsequent...
This season, technician Kira Cates took on the challenge of tracking one of our most secretive species—the Spotted Turtle. From navigating briar patches to celebrating the arrival of spotted turtle babies, read about Kira’s adventures in Fieldnotes.
www.oriannesociety.org/fieldnotes/s...
www.oriannesociety.org/fieldnotes/s...
October 28, 2025 at 3:45 PM
This season, technician Kira Cates took on the challenge of tracking one of our most secretive species—the Spotted Turtle. From navigating briar patches to celebrating the arrival of spotted turtle babies, read about Kira’s adventures in Fieldnotes.
www.oriannesociety.org/fieldnotes/s...
www.oriannesociety.org/fieldnotes/s...
This Wood Turtle, nicknamed Chippy, was already missing a foot when she was clipped by haying equipment five years ago. She spends most of her time in the field where she was injured, and we have seen other Wood Turtles using the field as well.
We are pleased to report that...
We are pleased to report that...
October 28, 2025 at 11:30 AM
This Wood Turtle, nicknamed Chippy, was already missing a foot when she was clipped by haying equipment five years ago. She spends most of her time in the field where she was injured, and we have seen other Wood Turtles using the field as well.
We are pleased to report that...
We are pleased to report that...
Houston recently spent the day at his alma mater, Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, Georgia. He was invited to speak about his career experiences as part of a panel for freshmen Environmental Science majors.
October 27, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Houston recently spent the day at his alma mater, Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, Georgia. He was invited to speak about his career experiences as part of a panel for freshmen Environmental Science majors.
Have you listened to the latest Snake Talk Podcast episode yet?
Dr. Jenkins sits down with rattlesnake expert Mike Cardwell for a deep dive into one of North America’s most fascinating and misunderstood species—the Mohave Rattlesnake.
Listen in: www.oriannesociety.org/snake-talk/
Dr. Jenkins sits down with rattlesnake expert Mike Cardwell for a deep dive into one of North America’s most fascinating and misunderstood species—the Mohave Rattlesnake.
Listen in: www.oriannesociety.org/snake-talk/
October 27, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Have you listened to the latest Snake Talk Podcast episode yet?
Dr. Jenkins sits down with rattlesnake expert Mike Cardwell for a deep dive into one of North America’s most fascinating and misunderstood species—the Mohave Rattlesnake.
Listen in: www.oriannesociety.org/snake-talk/
Dr. Jenkins sits down with rattlesnake expert Mike Cardwell for a deep dive into one of North America’s most fascinating and misunderstood species—the Mohave Rattlesnake.
Listen in: www.oriannesociety.org/snake-talk/
Graduate students, have you heard the news? The Orianne Society’s Grant Program for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation in the Southeast is now accepting applications!
Application deadline: 5PM EST, 21 November 2025
Scan QR code or follow link for details: www.oriannesociety.org/science-init...
Application deadline: 5PM EST, 21 November 2025
Scan QR code or follow link for details: www.oriannesociety.org/science-init...
October 23, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Graduate students, have you heard the news? The Orianne Society’s Grant Program for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation in the Southeast is now accepting applications!
Application deadline: 5PM EST, 21 November 2025
Scan QR code or follow link for details: www.oriannesociety.org/science-init...
Application deadline: 5PM EST, 21 November 2025
Scan QR code or follow link for details: www.oriannesociety.org/science-init...
Salamander fight!
At our recent annual meeting in north Georgia, our crew witnessed a courting pair of Southern Appalachian Salamanders (Plethodon teyahalee) get interrupted by a competing male. A fight broke out between the two males, with the original chasing off the interloper.
🎥 : Kiley Briggs
At our recent annual meeting in north Georgia, our crew witnessed a courting pair of Southern Appalachian Salamanders (Plethodon teyahalee) get interrupted by a competing male. A fight broke out between the two males, with the original chasing off the interloper.
🎥 : Kiley Briggs
October 22, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Salamander fight!
At our recent annual meeting in north Georgia, our crew witnessed a courting pair of Southern Appalachian Salamanders (Plethodon teyahalee) get interrupted by a competing male. A fight broke out between the two males, with the original chasing off the interloper.
🎥 : Kiley Briggs
At our recent annual meeting in north Georgia, our crew witnessed a courting pair of Southern Appalachian Salamanders (Plethodon teyahalee) get interrupted by a competing male. A fight broke out between the two males, with the original chasing off the interloper.
🎥 : Kiley Briggs
Ben presented at the 2025 Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, sharing results from our 9 years of indigo snake occupancy surveys. We’re proud of how far this work has come, but there’s always more to do. Now, we're busy refining our survey plan to make an even greater impact!
October 21, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Ben presented at the 2025 Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, sharing results from our 9 years of indigo snake occupancy surveys. We’re proud of how far this work has come, but there’s always more to do. Now, we're busy refining our survey plan to make an even greater impact!
Working with collaborators from Virginia Tech, we recently had a new paper published in the journal Conservation Science and Practice. This work was led by Dr. Amanda Martin and documented the response of Reticulated Flatwoods Salamander populations to habitat restoration.
October 20, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Working with collaborators from Virginia Tech, we recently had a new paper published in the journal Conservation Science and Practice. This work was led by Dr. Amanda Martin and documented the response of Reticulated Flatwoods Salamander populations to habitat restoration.
Our 2025 Member Art Print is available for just a few more months! With brilliant gold speckles and a sunshine-yellow chin, the Blanding’s Turtle ventures through forests to multiple wetlands each year, making it a powerful symbol of why protecting large, connected habitats matters.
October 18, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Our 2025 Member Art Print is available for just a few more months! With brilliant gold speckles and a sunshine-yellow chin, the Blanding’s Turtle ventures through forests to multiple wetlands each year, making it a powerful symbol of why protecting large, connected habitats matters.
In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with rattlesnake expert Mike Cardwell for a deep dive into one of North America’s most fascinating and misunderstood species—the Mojave Rattlesnake. Together, they explore where they live, what they eat, how they move, and how they reproduce.
October 17, 2025 at 8:59 PM
In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with rattlesnake expert Mike Cardwell for a deep dive into one of North America’s most fascinating and misunderstood species—the Mojave Rattlesnake. Together, they explore where they live, what they eat, how they move, and how they reproduce.
We are hiring! 🔥
Join our team as a Prescribed Fire & Gopher Tortoise Management Technician and help restore longleaf pine ecosystems. Application deadline is November 7 - visit our Careers page for details: www.oriannesociety.org/careers/
Join our team as a Prescribed Fire & Gopher Tortoise Management Technician and help restore longleaf pine ecosystems. Application deadline is November 7 - visit our Careers page for details: www.oriannesociety.org/careers/
October 15, 2025 at 8:56 PM
We are hiring! 🔥
Join our team as a Prescribed Fire & Gopher Tortoise Management Technician and help restore longleaf pine ecosystems. Application deadline is November 7 - visit our Careers page for details: www.oriannesociety.org/careers/
Join our team as a Prescribed Fire & Gopher Tortoise Management Technician and help restore longleaf pine ecosystems. Application deadline is November 7 - visit our Careers page for details: www.oriannesociety.org/careers/
The red viscous material on the edge of this Spiny Softshell’s shell is a foul-smelling secretion made by the turtle’s Rathke’s glands. The purpose of the secretion is debatable, but since some species often release the secretions after capture, defense is a likely reason.
October 13, 2025 at 8:10 PM
The red viscous material on the edge of this Spiny Softshell’s shell is a foul-smelling secretion made by the turtle’s Rathke’s glands. The purpose of the secretion is debatable, but since some species often release the secretions after capture, defense is a likely reason.
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Drs. Eric Hileman and Meaghan Clark for an in-depth look at the Eastern Massasauga. Their studies reveal concerning levels of inbreeding, which are linked to reduced survival and lower breeding rates.
October 11, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Drs. Eric Hileman and Meaghan Clark for an in-depth look at the Eastern Massasauga. Their studies reveal concerning levels of inbreeding, which are linked to reduced survival and lower breeding rates.
2025 Spotted Turtle survey season stats:
States surveyed: 3
Trap nights: 3,208
Survey hours: 349
Miles surveyed: 171
Spotted Turtles found: 123
Other turtle species found: 7
Other non-testudine herp species found: 32
Flat tires: 2
Cars stuck in ditch: 1
People needed to get car out of ditch: 5
States surveyed: 3
Trap nights: 3,208
Survey hours: 349
Miles surveyed: 171
Spotted Turtles found: 123
Other turtle species found: 7
Other non-testudine herp species found: 32
Flat tires: 2
Cars stuck in ditch: 1
People needed to get car out of ditch: 5
October 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM
2025 Spotted Turtle survey season stats:
States surveyed: 3
Trap nights: 3,208
Survey hours: 349
Miles surveyed: 171
Spotted Turtles found: 123
Other turtle species found: 7
Other non-testudine herp species found: 32
Flat tires: 2
Cars stuck in ditch: 1
People needed to get car out of ditch: 5
States surveyed: 3
Trap nights: 3,208
Survey hours: 349
Miles surveyed: 171
Spotted Turtles found: 123
Other turtle species found: 7
Other non-testudine herp species found: 32
Flat tires: 2
Cars stuck in ditch: 1
People needed to get car out of ditch: 5