Reptile and Amphibian Study MB
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Monday thru Friday
Time: 10:10 am until 11:00 am
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Where: Meet at Ecology
Ages and Stages Recommendation: 3rd Year Campers or more
Prerequisites:
Requirement 8 – Do ONE of the following:
- a. 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).
- b. 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.
What to Bring: Notebook and Pen
Requirements: Click Here! This page also provides links to information regarding certain requirements, which should prove to be helpful in preparing to take this merit badge at camp. This site offers reference sources in and below the requirements in order to make answering the questions easier. Scouts should use these resources to become more familiar with the material, and be better prepared for the class.