The SARCA VM has been a huge success, thanks to all of you. As from 24th March 2009 the project is officially closed and we won't be able to receive or process any new submissions to SARCA's VM.

But don't let the end of SARCA stop you from recording information about the reptiles (and frogs) that you see - it is highly likely that a SARCA Phase 2 will follow, and there are plans to automate the VM and allow online submissions at some time in the future.

And in anticipation of SARCA Phase 2, or perhaps a combination Herp project, we're making available a template spreadsheet (SARCA2_VM_template.xls) that you can use to save the information relevant to any reptile and frog photos that you may take in the future. When you save the file to your computer, rename it so it includes your surname and initials, e.g. SARCA2_VM_deVilliers_MS.xls. Follow the format of the first three example records in yellow, when entering information for your photos.

You are encouraged to participate in SARCA's sister project: SABCA (Southern African Butterfly Conservation Assessment).