The primary objectives of the Herp Center are to promote the understanding and conservation of reptiles and amphibians. To achieve this goal, the Center engages in scientific research, as well as developing educational opportunities and means of outreach. A central premise to the Center is that conservation is best founded on the effective communication of factual information presented to those who are in a position to impact threatened species and habitats. Where those facts are not available, sound scientific research should be employed to obtain the needed information. Furthermore, the path of the information passed between the researcher and the end-user should be as direct as possible. Thus, individuals close to the research being conducted are in the best position to communicate the findings.

Another central theme to the Center is collaboration and partnership. Despite the active herpetofaunal research program at IPFW, we do not presume to hold the expertise or personnel to resolve all issues that arise about herpetofaunal conservation. Instead, the Center will be a clearinghouse for expertise and information to assist citizens and organizations with interests in herpetofaunal conservation. The Herp Center is dedicated to promoting the goals of PARC (Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation) and other groups with whom we collaborate.