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.
Why does The Orianne Society matter?
Because reptiles, amphibians, and their habitats are in crisis across the United States and around the world—and many species are vanishing before most people ever have the chance to know them.
Because reptiles, amphibians, and their habitats are in crisis across the United States and around the world—and many species are vanishing before most people ever have the chance to know them.
November 23, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Why does The Orianne Society matter?
Because reptiles, amphibians, and their habitats are in crisis across the United States and around the world—and many species are vanishing before most people ever have the chance to know them.
Because reptiles, amphibians, and their habitats are in crisis across the United States and around the world—and many species are vanishing before most people ever have the chance to know them.
#TimberRattlesnakes are synonymous with the wild, rugged landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. Unfortunately, these shy and misunderstood #snakes are often needlessly persecuted.
November 22, 2025 at 1:45 PM
#TimberRattlesnakes are synonymous with the wild, rugged landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. Unfortunately, these shy and misunderstood #snakes are often needlessly persecuted.
Did you know Georgia is home to 50+ salamander species, some found nowhere else on Earth?
Enter our GivingTuesday Raffle & Auction to support their conservation. Our raffle grand prize: a field herping adventure for two, led by Noah Fields and Ben Stegenga!
Enter our GivingTuesday Raffle & Auction to support their conservation. Our raffle grand prize: a field herping adventure for two, led by Noah Fields and Ben Stegenga!
November 21, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Did you know Georgia is home to 50+ salamander species, some found nowhere else on Earth?
Enter our GivingTuesday Raffle & Auction to support their conservation. Our raffle grand prize: a field herping adventure for two, led by Noah Fields and Ben Stegenga!
Enter our GivingTuesday Raffle & Auction to support their conservation. Our raffle grand prize: a field herping adventure for two, led by Noah Fields and Ben Stegenga!
Want to make an impact for conservation AND take home something amazing? Visit our Giving Tuesday Auction page and explore a curated selection of one-of-a-kind art, exclusive gear and rare books that support The Orianne Society’s work across the U.S. and beyond.
November 20, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Want to make an impact for conservation AND take home something amazing? Visit our Giving Tuesday Auction page and explore a curated selection of one-of-a-kind art, exclusive gear and rare books that support The Orianne Society’s work across the U.S. and beyond.
We have a new publication in the journal Ecological Research. Research was led by David Tevs and the McBrayer Lab at Georgia Southern University and quantified how Florida Scrub Lizards, Six-lined Racerunners, and Green Anoles responded to unpaved roads in Florida scrub and longleaf pine ecosystems.
November 20, 2025 at 2:15 PM
We have a new publication in the journal Ecological Research. Research was led by David Tevs and the McBrayer Lab at Georgia Southern University and quantified how Florida Scrub Lizards, Six-lined Racerunners, and Green Anoles responded to unpaved roads in Florida scrub and longleaf pine ecosystems.
The genus Desmognathus contains 39 recognized species, all of which occur in the Eastern U.S. Close to two-thirds of these Dusky Salamanders, such as the Cherokee Black-bellied Salamander (Desmognathus gvnigeusgwotli), occur in the Appalachian Mountains, making up a significant portion...
November 19, 2025 at 8:48 PM
The genus Desmognathus contains 39 recognized species, all of which occur in the Eastern U.S. Close to two-thirds of these Dusky Salamanders, such as the Cherokee Black-bellied Salamander (Desmognathus gvnigeusgwotli), occur in the Appalachian Mountains, making up a significant portion...
Meet Ashlynn Canode, whose Orianne-supported work is shedding light on pathogen presence in the Red Hills snake community. Her research included sampling 750+ snakes to better understand emerging disease risks in longleaf pine ecosystems - critical insight for conservation across the Southeast.
November 19, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Meet Ashlynn Canode, whose Orianne-supported work is shedding light on pathogen presence in the Red Hills snake community. Her research included sampling 750+ snakes to better understand emerging disease risks in longleaf pine ecosystems - critical insight for conservation across the Southeast.
Today’s the day! The Orianne Society’s 2025 Giving Tuesday Raffle & Auction for Conservation is live. Your participation directly supports critical reptile, amphibian, and habitat conservation, plus you might walk away with something unforgettable.
November 18, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Today’s the day! The Orianne Society’s 2025 Giving Tuesday Raffle & Auction for Conservation is live. Your participation directly supports critical reptile, amphibian, and habitat conservation, plus you might walk away with something unforgettable.
It’s officially here—our 2025 Giving Tuesday Raffle & Auction for Conservation kicks off NOW! From once-in-a-lifetime experiences to rare collectibles, there’s something for everyone. Visit our website to enter the raffle, browse the auction, and make your impact.
November 18, 2025 at 6:29 PM
It’s officially here—our 2025 Giving Tuesday Raffle & Auction for Conservation kicks off NOW! From once-in-a-lifetime experiences to rare collectibles, there’s something for everyone. Visit our website to enter the raffle, browse the auction, and make your impact.
In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Stan Lake to discuss his new book, Toad in a Glass Jar. Their conversation follows two intertwining paths — Stan’s experiences serving in the Army in Iraq and his life as a naturalist and content creator passionate about reptiles and amphibians.
November 14, 2025 at 2:22 PM
In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Stan Lake to discuss his new book, Toad in a Glass Jar. Their conversation follows two intertwining paths — Stan’s experiences serving in the Army in Iraq and his life as a naturalist and content creator passionate about reptiles and amphibians.
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/