If you're familiar with bird watching, you know what a Life List is, and can skip the following explanation. A Life List is a record of the first observations of species and sub-species, and is kept throughout a person's lifetime. It can be as detailed as the Listkeeper wishes it to be. In some birding circles, a hefty Life List carries some weight; you have spanned the continents in your quest for ornithological enlightenment!
Being taken with the idea back in 1996, I decided to start my own Herpetofauna Life List. I had always taken notes (although varying in quality) in the field as far back as grade school, so I thought I could cobble together a reasonable list, keeping track of the species, date, and location. On a few, the exact dates were a bit fuzzy, but I could at least pin it down to spring, summer, or fall. In addition, I would only list those species I observed in their natural habitat, which means I haven't counted some heartbreaking DORs (Dead On Road) like Eastern Coachwhips and Rana hecksheri.
Since I started the list, I've added to it significantly; I passed the one hundred twenty mark in 1997, and the end of the millennium found me a few shy of two hundred. I have the urge to fill in some holes in the list, especially from the midwest U.S., which I could fill in with some work. I've also been striving to photograph each species, preferably in the field as they are found. I try to add some notes as I go - some species have none yet, but this is a work in progress.
Underlying the urge to fill the List is the real obsession - to see each and every herp, in its habitat, where it lives. The List is merely a way to mark progress along the way, and to bring back memories of the occasion. There are other benefits, too. Now I put more thought into proposed trips. I pay closer attention to habitat, and try to spend more time identifying flora and fauna. As a result, field trips are a much more intense experience, and much more satisfying. What also makes for a great experience is to herp with some pals who are into it as much as you are. I have been to some amazing places over the past thirty years, and I hope to see more in the future. Oh, and I also keep a Bird Life List, thanks to Steve Coogan, birder extraordinaire.
Try a Life List!
Mike
pingleto 'at' ncsa.uiuc.edu