Welcome to SWCHR

The Southwestern Center for Herpetological Research (SWCHR) is dedicated to promoting the education of the Association’s members and the education of the general public relating to the natural history, biology, taxonomy, conservation and preservation needs, field studies, and captive propagation of the herpetofauna indigenous to the American Southwest. In addition to our promotion of herpetological education, our directors and members are firm supporters of Citizen Science and believe that amateur herpetologists and hobbyists have much to offer the academic world of science. To this end, SWCHR offers various grants and awards each year to students, researchers and citizen scientists around the country. Even if your interest in herpetology focuses only on photographing these fascinating creatures, SWCHR welcomes you.

SWCHR was originally established by Gerald Keown in 2007. In 2009 Gerald Keown and Tom Lott joined together with Toby Brock, the late Hans Koenig, Bill White, Diego Otriz, John Williams and a small group of other southwestern herpers to draft our Articles of Association and formally charter SWCHR as a Texas not-for-profit association, governed by a Board of Directors and operating under the tax-exempt provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

SWCHR Membership is open to all persons having an interest in the herpetology of the American Southwest.

 

Your dues support our annual activities, including: