1. To promote education of SWCHR members and the general public relating to the natural history, biology, taxonomy, conservation and preservation needs, field research, and captive propagation of the herpetofauna indigenous to the American Southwest;
2. To promote and support research and scientific study of herpetological species native to the American Southwest as a means to broaden professional knowledge of the various taxa and their ecological role throughout the American Southwest;
3. To disseminate scientific information and knowledge relating to the herpetofauna of the American Southwest to SWCHR members and the general public via the SWCHR web site and by other means;
4. To provide the best possible science concerning herpetological issues to regulatory and legislative bodies at the local, state and federal levels of government;
5. To promote and support legitimate and responsible herpetocultural activities throughout the American Southwest by hobbyists and naturalists as a means to increase the body of knowledge of native species;
6. To stimulate collaboration and encourage cooperation between all herpetologists (including academic, professional, wildlife agency, avocational, and hobbyist) throughout the American Southwest.