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Herpetology (from Ancient Greek ἑρπετόν herpetón, meaning "reptile" or "creeping animal") is a branch of zoology concerned with the study of (including , , and (Gymnophiona)) and (including , , , , and ). Birds, which are Cladistics included within Reptilia, are traditionally excluded here; the separate scientific study of birds is the subject of ornithology.
The precise definition of herpetology is the study of ectothermic . This definition of "herps" (otherwise called "herptiles" or "herpetofauna") excludes fish; however, herpetological and ichthyology scientific societies often collaborate. For instance, groups such as the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists have co-published Academic journal and hosted to foster the exchange of ideas between the fields. Herpetological societies are formed to promote interest in reptiles and amphibians, both Captivity and wild.
Herpetological studies can offer benefits relevant to other fields by providing research on the role of amphibians and reptiles in ecology. For example, by monitoring amphibians that are very sensitive to environmental changes, herpetologists record visible warnings that significant are taking place. Although they can be deadly, some and produced by reptiles and amphibians are useful in human medicine. Currently, some snake venom has been used to create anti-coagulants that work to treat and heart attacks.
"Herp" is a Vernacular for non-avian reptiles and amphibians. It is derived from the archaic term "herpetile", with roots back to Carl Linnaeus classification of animals, in which he grouped reptiles and amphibians in the same class. There are over 6700 species of amphibians and over 9000 species of reptiles. Despite its modern taxonomic irrelevance, the term has persisted, particularly in the names of herpetology, the scientific study of non-avian reptiles and amphibians, and herpetoculture, the captive care and breeding of reptiles and amphibians.
More generally, herpetologists work on functional problems in the ecology, evolution, physiology, behavior, taxonomy, or molecular biology of amphibians and reptiles. Amphibians or reptiles can be used as for specific questions in these fields, such as the role of frogs in the ecology of a wetland. All of these areas are related through their evolutionary history, an example being the evolution of viviparity (including behavior and reproduction).
In modern academic science, it is rare for an individual to solely consider themselves to be a herpetologist. Most individuals focus on a particular field such as ecology, evolution, taxonomy, physiology, or molecular biology, and within that field ask questions pertaining to or best answered by examining reptiles and amphibians. For example, an evolutionary biologist who is also a herpetologist may choose to work on an issue such as the evolution of warning coloration in .
Modern herpetological writers include Mark O'Shea and Philip Purser. Modern herpetological showmen include Jeff Corwin, Steve Irwin (popularly known as the "Crocodile Hunter"), and Austin Stevens, popularly known as "Austin Snakeman" in the TV series Austin Stevens: Snakemaster.
Herpetology is an established hobby around the world due to the varied biodiversity in many environments. Many amateur herpetologists coin themselves as "herpers".
target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Iranian Herpetological Studies Institute (IHSI)
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