# HerpMapper

> Mobile app for recording and sharing reptile and amphibian observations for science. (iPhone/iPad app by Donald Becker.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/herpmapper/id1266037481 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Donald Becker](https://appshunter.io/developer/525324975)
- Category: Utilities
- Price: Free
- Rating: 3.46/5 from 24 App Store ratings · 12 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 67 MB
- Released: 2017-08-15
- Data updated: 2026-06-01
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/herpmapper/id1266037481/reviews.md

## What is HerpMapper?

HerpMapper is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization designed to gather and share information about reptile and amphibian observations across the planet. Using the HerpMapper mobile app, you can create records of your herp observations and keep them all in one place. In turn, your data is made available to HerpMapper Partners – groups who use your recorded observations for research, conservation, and preservation purposes. Your observations can make valuable contributions on the behalf of amphibians and reptiles.

Using your phone’s camera and GPS capabilities, the HerpMapper mobile app creates a ‘voucher record’ of your find, incorporating photos of the animal, and recording the location.  For calling frogs and toads, the app enables you to record and include a sound file in a record.  The date and time of day are also recorded.  The app features a searchable database of the common and scientific names for all of the world’s herpetofauna, and you can search for either type of name by entering just a fragment.  The newest version of the app allows you to add multiple photos and soundfiles to a record

The HerpMapper mobile app does not require wireless or cellular service in order to properly record locations - it uses your phone’s native GPS device, which remains in satellite contact when outside (many HerpMapper records have been recorded in remote corners of the globe).  Once you are back in wireless or cellular range, you can upload (sync) your collected records to the HerpMapper database.  Once uploaded, you can view any and all of your records from the HerpMapper website (www.herpmapper.org).  Creating a HerpMapper account is fast, simple, and free, and you can use the site and the mobile app to keep track of your finds, build a life list, and contribute to science and herp conservation!  Instructions for creating an account, and installing and using the mobile app, are listed on the HerpMapper website.

Who can see the records you create? There are two levels of visibility for records. Only you and HerpMapper Partners have access to all of the data in the records you create. Other users of HerpMapper and the general public can only see very basic information in your records – they do not have access to exact locality data. Any pictures attached to a record have their locality metadata stripped, so they can be seen by everyone on the HerpMapper website, which means you can also see the cool herps being recorded by other people from around the world.

Who are HerpMapper's Partners? For the most part, they are biologists working for state or regional agencies, university researchers, or conservation organizations across the globe. A list of HerpMapper Partners is maintained on the HerpMapper website.

## Key features

- Record observations with photos and sound
- Automatic GPS location tagging
- Offline recording capability
- Searchable herpetofauna database
- Data contribution to research and conservation
- View records on the HerpMapper website

## Recent user reviews (10 of 12)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/herpmapper/id1266037481/reviews.md

### 5/5 — W

*2025-08-13, version 1.4.2*

This app helps reptiles and amphibians conservation and helps me me keep track of what I find!

### 1/5 — Won’t allow me to submit record

*2025-08-04, version 1.4.2*

I tried to submit a record and it won’t let me manually change location and the location it added from my own gps isn’t allowed because it doesn’t understand what my altitude is

### 3/5 — Not for novices

*2025-06-12, version 1.4.2*

This app requires prior knowledge of the herp, it is not for ID like iNaturalist. Very basic login and rough search function. Could definitely use a young person to clean it up and improve UI. Has full citizenship science scistarter functionality though.

### 1/5 — False information

*2024-06-06, version 1.4.2*

I was got the app. I got in it, and found out there was one option. It showed me the main screen, and I only saw to make a progress tracker on herping. It didn’t show the recording thing or how to get any of the other screens.

### 1/5 — Downloaded on IOS and error

*2024-05-25, version 1.4.2*

Didn’t work

### 1/5 — Would love to use but it doesn’t work.

*2024-05-22, version 1.4.2*

App just doesn’t respond to any interaction when entering a new record. Longitude and latitude don’t let you tap or enter any numbers.

### 5/5 — A Direct Link would be nice

*2023-10-25*

I wish there was a link directly to your Website from the Mobile App.

### 5/5 — Good

*2021-11-13, version 1.4.2*

Its a cool app to record your finds, i wish you could see other peoples records though so you know where things are being found

### 1/5 — Horrible

*2020-11-27, version 1.4.2*

It’s like Christopher E Smith.  Horrible.

### 5/5 — Awesome!

*2020-04-28, version 1.4.2*

This is a must have app for people who want to help save these amazing herps!

## Frequently asked questions about HerpMapper

### What is HerpMapper used for?

HerpMapper is used to record observations of reptiles and amphibians, including photos, sounds, and GPS locations. This data is then shared with partners for research, conservation, and preservation efforts.

### Can I use HerpMapper without an internet connection?

Yes, HerpMapper uses your phone's native GPS device to record locations even without wireless or cellular service. You can upload your records once you are back in range.

### How is my data used by HerpMapper?

Your recorded observations are made available to HerpMapper Partners, who are typically biologists and conservation organizations. They use this data for research, conservation, and preservation purposes.

### Who can see my HerpMapper records?

Only you and HerpMapper Partners have access to all the data in your records. Other users and the public can only see basic information, with locality metadata stripped from attached pictures.

### How often is HerpMapper updated?

The latest version of HerpMapper is 1.4.2, last updated on June 5, 2019. While updates may not be frequent, the app is designed for reliable offline use.

### What devices support HerpMapper?

HerpMapper is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices, making it accessible to a wide range of Apple users interested in herpetology.

### Is HerpMapper suitable for children?

HerpMapper has an age rating of 4+, indicating it is suitable for young users. The app's focus on nature observation can be educational for children.

### Does HerpMapper have ads?

No, HerpMapper does not contain advertisements. As a free application, it focuses on providing a clean user experience for data collection and contribution.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.0.8 — 2026-04-27

Save data if back button is pressed on "additional info" screen.  Add "next" button to fields.

### 1.4.2 — 2019-06-05

Additional checks to make sure default project downloaded correctly, and is present.

### 1.4.1 — 2019-05-18

Fixes for corrupt settings files, and orphaned projects.

### 1.3.1 — 2019-02-22

Minor bug fixes.

### 1.0.12 — 2018-06-14

Fixed corrupted audio due to hitting continue while recording.  Fixed crash when taking photos in the app.

## Apps similar to HerpMapper

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Reptile Rocket: pet tracker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reptile-rocket-pet-tracker/id1558082005) | 4.4 (90) | Free | Utilities |
| [SnakeLog](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/snakelog/id1601282698) | 4.8 (12) | Free | Utilities |
| [EDDMapS](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/eddmaps/id1497390237) | 4.6 (57) | Free | Utilities |
| [LizardBox - Critter Manager](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lizardbox-critter-manager/id1603903840) | 4.3 (65) | Free | Utilities |
| [LumenIZE](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lumenize/id6445945286) | 1.9 (40) | Free | Utilities |
| [Haikubox Connect](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/haikubox-connect/id1561887394) | 4.5 (8) | Free | Utilities |

## More apps by Donald Becker

- [Mobile Mapper](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mobile-mapper/id670772103)

All apps by Donald Becker: https://appshunter.io/developer/525324975

## Related topics

[herpmapper](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/herpmapper) · [herping](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/herping) · [herpetology](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/herpetology)

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-01.*