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This report summarizes the baseline conditions for the amphibian and reptile populations of Lake Conway, Florida, for the 15-month study period, June 1977-September 1978. These results will be used later to determine whether any changes in the herpetofauna result from the introduction of the white amur (Ctenopharyngodon idella) into the lake system to control aquatic vegetation. This baseline report includes detailed descriptions of the herpetofaunal study sites and methods and community analyses of the temporal and spatial distributions and densities of the species by pool. A total of 5,836 individuals representing 11 amphibian species and 16 reptilian species were observed or captured on Lake Conway during the baseline study period. Approximately 93% of the total species pool was obtained within the first 3,000 specimens, and between 70% and 80% of the predicted herpetofauna inhabiting each pool has been recorded. Of the 27 species presently recorded from the Lake Conway complex, 11 occur in all pools and together account for 94.4% of the total sample. The mean relative densities of 11 species were found to vary significantly between pools. Development of the shoreline for housing during the baseline study period was shown to have a negative impact on some amphibian and reptile populations. (Author)