About Us
Advancing Herpetology Since 1979
The Societas Europaea Herpetologica (SEH) is Europe’s premier scientific organization dedicated to the study and conservation of amphibians and reptiles. Founded in 1979, our society unites approximately 350 professional and non-professional herpetologists from across Europe and the globe. We serve as a vital hub for research, fostering collaboration and ensuring the highest ethical and professional standards in herpetological science.
SEH bodies
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
The Executive Council is responsible for the strategic leadership and governance of the Society. Working on behalf of our members, the Council guides the Society’s scientific, conservation, educational, and outreach activities, while fostering collaboration among herpetologists across Europe and beyond.
COMMITTEES
The Society is supported by three specialist committees that contribute to its scientific, conservation, and research activities across Europe.
Conservation Committee
Mapping Committee
Taxonomic Committee
DOCUMENTS
The SEH Document Repository serves as a central archive for Society documents, including governance records, committee reports, meeting minutes, policies, strategic plans, and other resources relevant to the activities and administration of SEH.
Early History
- Founding Members: It was formed by 24 herpetologists from eight European countries.
- First Council (1979):
- President: Dr. Josef Eiselt (Austria).
- Vice-President: Dr. Jean Lescure (France).
- General Secretary: Dr. Marinus S. Hoogmoed (Netherlands).
- Origins: The foundation was preceded by two planning meetings in 1979: one in Paris in January and a second in Montpellier in June.
Our Work
- Amphibia-Reptilia: A renowned quarterly scientific journal indexed in Scopus and Web of Science.
- Herpetology Notes: An open-access online journal focused on natural history and distribution.
Beyond publishing, we organize major biennial international congresses—such as the 23rd European Congress of Herpetology in Bonn—where researchers present cutting-edge findings and build lasting professional connections.
SEH Grants in Herpetology
Each year we are offering two grants of up to EUR 5,000 each to support conservation projects in Europe and the Mediterranean basin.
Mapping & Data
Our Mapping Committee maintains the definitive New Atlas of Amphibians and Reptiles in Europe (NA2RE), providing essential data for ecological research and conservation planning.
European Board of Herpetological Societies (EBHS)
Through this formal framework, we partner with national societies to strengthen herpetology at regional and international levels.