OUR COMMITMENT

At Herpetological Associates, Inc., our commitment is to deliver high-quality ecological and environmental consulting services that are both scientifically rigorous and cost-effective. Serving the Mid-Atlantic region—including all of New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, and eastern and central Pennsylvania—we approach every project with a clear purpose: to generate accurate, defensible results that support responsible decision-making and long-term environmental stewardship.

We recognize that no two projects are identical. For that reason, we tailor our work to meet the specific goals, constraints, and regulatory requirements of each client. Every survey, assessment, and planning effort is conducted with careful attention to scope, precision, and practical application—ensuring that the work is not only technically sound, but also relevant to the real-world needs of development, conservation, and compliance.

With a team of experienced environmental scientists/herpetologist, we offer a multidisciplinary approach to complex environmental challenges. Our expertise spans threatened and endangered species surveys, ecological land-use planning, and mitigation strategies. By integrating field-based knowledge with strong technical reporting and planning insight, we help clients navigate environmental concerns efficiently while maintaining respect for the ecosystems and species impacted by land-use decisions.

Ultimately, our commitment is not simply to complete projects, but to provide clients with reliable guidance, professional integrity, and environmental solutions that stand up to both regulatory review and scientific standards.

Robert T. Zappalorti Sr., CEO & Founder

Herpetological Associates  Capabilities & Specialties

HA provides a broad range of environmental consulting services, supported by more than 50 years of experience surveying, tracking, and trapping a wide variety of reptiles, amphibians, birds, and rare plants. Work is conducted throughout the eastern United States, primarily within the Mid-Atlantic region. Services include threatened and endangered (T&E) species monitoring for residential and commercial construction, utility projects, mitigation and management plans, and research-oriented surveys. Our staff is qualified to conduct Phase I habitat evaluations, Phase II presence-or-absence surveys, and Phase III intensive trapping studies for all T&E-listed species.

HA is qualified to survey, trap, and study both federal- and state-listed species, including the federally listed bog turtle. T&E species surveys are also conducted in areas under the jurisdiction of both the NJ Pinelands Commission and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection. In addition, HA is qualified to provide environmental monitoring services, including work involving venomous snakes.

If you’re considering retaining our services, please visit our service page or contact page.

Biological Monitoring

Biological monitoring involves the presence of qualified biologists on-site during construction and land-disturbing activities to observe, document, and protect plant and animal species. The purpose of biological monitoring is to prevent impacts to protected species, verify compliance with environmental permit conditions, and allow for immediate response if threatened or endangered species are encountered. These services are commonly required by regulatory agencies such as the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Pinelands Commission, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

During active construction, biological monitors conduct pre-activity inspections and observe clearing, excavation, and trenching operations within approved work areas. Monitors identify wildlife activity, suitable habitat, or species presence and coordinate protective measures when necessary. If protected species are encountered, monitors may recommend work stoppages or modifications and ensure that approved mitigation measures are implemented. All activities are carefully documented to demonstrate full compliance with permit requirements.

Environmental Monitoring for Infrastructure Projects

Environmental monitoring for infrastructure projects provides compliance oversight during the construction and maintenance of linear projects such as pipelines, utility corridors, fiber-optic installations, and access roads. These projects often extend across large areas and multiple habitat types, increasing the potential for impacts to wetlands, sensitive ecosystems, and protected resources. Environmental monitoring helps ensure that construction activities proceed in accordance with approved environmental permits and regulations.

Monitoring services support contractors and project teams by identifying environmental constraints, verifying adherence to permit conditions, and minimizing ecological disturbance during construction. Through ongoing field oversight and coordination with project personnel and agencies, environmental monitoring reduces regulatory risk, prevents delays, and helps projects move forward responsibly while protecting natural resources.

We are proud to announce, Robert T. Zappalorti’s latest book: “The Bog Turtle, Natural History And Conservation.”

The bog turtle belongs to the large family Emydidae, which includes semi-aquatic pond and marsh turtles known for their colorful and diverse hard shells in the United States. Unfortunately, bog turtle populations have gradually declined across their entire range due to habitat loss, fragmentation of connecting habitats, wetland pollution, and illegal collection.​

This book offers in-depth natural history information on bog turtles, covering their taxonomic background, survival tactics, predators, reproductive biology, foraging habits, diet, habitat preferences, hibernation strategies, and conservation efforts. Author Robert T. Zappalorti guides readers through a step-by-step journey to explore the fascinating world of this unique turtle. Welcome to the secret world of the bog turtle.​

The Bog Turtle is available on backorder, in paperback for $29.95, or for the limited-edition leather-bound copy for $129.95. Click Here to order.