vol. 23 (2003), no. 9
DESCRIPTION
Minnesota Herpetological Society NewsletterTRANSCRIPT
Board of Directors President Randy BJasus 952.925.4237
Vice President Tony Gamble
tgamble@attbLcom
Recording Secretary Barb Buzlcky
Membership Secretary
763.424.2803
612·916·7575
Nancy Hakomaki 651.341.5707 [email protected]
Treasurer
Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church Street Southeast, Minneapolis Minnesota 55455-0104
The Minnesota Herpetological
s • 1 t y o c e
MHS We bpage: http.//www.bellmuseum.org/herpetology/Main.html
MHS Group Email: http:Uwww.groups.yahoo.com/group/mnherpsoc.
Voice Mail, 612.624.7065 Marilyn BJasus 952.925.4237 ........... _ .... _ .................... _ ...................................... __ .......................... __ •
Newsletter Editor Bill Moss 651.488.1383
Members at Large Heather Clayton 612.788.4664
heelhuh@aoLcom Brian lngbretson 763.572.0487
[email protected] Philip Woulat 952.924.9128
[email protected] Heather Ingbretson 763.572.0487
immediate Past President Jodi l. Ahems 612.588.9329
Adoption Sarah Richard
EillLCiiJiQn
Committees
612.781.9544 [email protected]
Jan Larson 507.263.4391 [email protected]
Northern MInnesota Jeff Korbel
Li!lli!J:y Beth Girard
Webmaster
218.586.2588
763.691.1650
Anke ReInders [email protected]
Amphibians Greg Kvanbek John Meltzer John Moriarty
Chameleons
Herp Assistance
Vern & Laurie Grassel
Crocodilians Jell Lang Bill Moss
Lizards Nancy Halg Heather Matson
Large Boas P¥lhoJ::§ Tina Cisewski
Other Snakes Jeff Leclere John Meltzer
Aquatic Turtles Gary Ash John Levell
Terrestrial IlJdle:s Fred Bosman John Levell
651.388.0305 763.263.7880 651.4B2.B109
763-428-4625
701.772.0227 651.488.1383
763.434.8684 612.554.8446
612.856.2865
651.488.6388 763.263.7880
763.753.0218 507.467.3076
763.476.0306 507.467.3076
September 2003 Volume 23 Number 9 The Purpose of the Minnesota Herpetological Society is to:
• Further the education of the membership and the general public in care and captive propagation of reptiles and amphibians;
• Educate the members and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles and amphibians;
• Promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.
The Minnesota Herpetological Society is a non· profit, tax· exempt organization. Membership is open to all individuals with an interest in amphibians and reptiles. The Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter is published monthly to provide its members with information concerning the society's activities and a media for exchanging information, opinions and resources.
General Meetings are held at Borlaug Hall, Room 335 on the SI. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota, on the first Friday of each month (unless there is a holiday conflict). The meeting starts at 7:00pm and lasts about three hours. Please check the MHS Voice mail for changes in schedules or cancellations.
Submissions to the Newsletter Ads or Notices must be submitted no later than the night of the General Meeting to be included in the next issue. longer articles will be printed as time and space allows and should be in electronic file format if possible. The business card rate is $5/month. Submissions may be sent to:
The Minnesota Herpetological Society Attn: Newsletter Editor Bell museum of Natural History 10 Church SI. SE. Minneapolis, MN 55455.0104
-or-Bill Moss 75 Geranium Ave East Saint Paul, MN 55117 -or[email protected]
Copyright 2003, Minnesota Herpetological Society. Except where noted, contents may be reproduced for nonprofit, non·commerdaf use only. All material must be reproduced without change. Proper credit will be given
including the author/photographer and the MHS Newsletter citing: volume, number and date.
The Newsletter of the rvlinncsota Herpetological Society September 2003 Volume 23 Number 9
The Vice-presidents report By Tony Gamble
September General Meeting Friday, September 5th, 2003, 7:00 PM
Program: Buffalo wallows, tidal mudflats, and rice pad-dys: The ecology and evolution of rear-fanged water snakes in Southeast Asia
Guest Speaker: Daryl Karns
Rear-fanged water snakes (Subfamily Homalopsinae) live in both freshwater and marine habitats from south Asia to northern Australia. These semi-terrestrial snakes eat fish and frogs and one species even eats crabs (Fordonia leucoba/ia). All species are venomous (rearfanged snakes deliver venom to their prey through grooves on teeth in the back of their mouth) but most are not considered dangerous to humans. Like North American watersnakes, they give birth to live young.
For the last 10 years, September's speaker Daryl Karns, has coli abo-
Cover: Common (blond) Snapping Turtle photo by Bill Moss
rated on a comprehen-s i v e
study of the ecology and
evolution of rear-
Erpeton tentaculatum or tentacled snake, a Homalopsine snake from Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam."
fanged water snakes in southeast Asia. He has used a variety of
techniques (from trapping to radio telemetry) to
study the ecology of these snakes in Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. Homalopsines are a relatively small group (approx. 34 species currently recognized), but are quite diverse ecologically and morphologically. His talk will provide an overview of his ecological studies
and provide comments on recent phylogenetic and biogeograph
ic work as well.
Daryl Karns is a professor and chair of Biology at Hanover College in Indiana and a research associate at the Field Museum of Natural
History in Chicago. His research interests are in
ecology, evolution and conservation of amphibians
and reptiles. Daryl is no stranger here in Minnesota.
He completed his PhD in ecology, behavior and evolution at the
University of Minnesota and is author of the classic
"Field Herpetology: Methods for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles in Minnesota." This will be Daryl's fifth
lecture for the Minnesota Herpetological Society (his
last was in 1984!) so don't miss a great talk and a returning
friend.
Upcoming Meetings: Friday, October 3rd, 2003 - TBA
§ Page 3
'Il1C Ncwslellcr of l.he Minnesota Hcq)("to}ogical Society September 2003 Volumc 23 Number 9
News, Notes & Announcements
Well Done, Tony!
Congratulations to MHS vice-president and University of Minnesota Conservation Biology graduate student Tony Gamble winner of the 2003 Stoye Award in Conservation.
The American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH) presents the Stoye Award in recognition of the best student oral
Tony a young American River Turtle at a turtle and fish farm outside of Manaus, Brazil.
presentation in one of several categories. Tony's presentation "The Impact of Commercial Harvest on Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta)" was given at the 2003 Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists held in Manaus, Brazil in June.
Page 4
Critter of the Month
The following critters made it to the August meeting.
Jodi L. Aherns Various Dwarf Reticulated Pythons
Jeff LeClere Green Vine Snakes
Joe Jackobsen Taiwan Beauty Snakes Elaphe Taeniura
... and one great little fellow who's name I didn't get who showed us his "bald" python.
Raffle Donors
This month's raffle brought in almost $100. Thanks to the following donors.
Christina Larson (2) humidifiers
Mike Howard bedding block iguana food (4) Cricket food Ominisoar (?)
Dan Monson - Blue Lagoon Vitamins
* * NOTICE * * Elections will be held at the November general membership meeting. Please contact Recording Secretary Barb Buzicky if you are interested in running for a position on the 2004 MHS board.
Adoption Committee Report by Sarah Richard, Adoption Chair
Such a quiet month! Several factors contributed to making this the quietest month in several years. We had a glitch in the system so the adoption day as reported on the website was 8/7. Add to that the fact that there were only three weeks between meetings and we should be back to normal by September. I already have a ten pound sulcata in the back yard that will be coming up for adoption next month .
The following animals were placed at this months meeting:
Sulcata Painted turtle Gray band king snake hybrid Anole Bull Frog Iguana
We actually had more Iguanas go out than come inl This is the first month that I can remember that we did not take in a single Iguana.
Special thanks to my fosters for all their help. We still have lots of Iguanas that are looking for homes so feel free to talk to Liz or Jamie about those mid month.
The Newslettcr of the IVlinnesota HCIl}ctological Sociely Seplcmber 2003 Volume 23 Numbcr9
The 19th Annual Midwest Herpetological Symposium
SPEAKERS
Friday October 17th Through Sunday October 19th, 2003 Red Lion Hotel Omaha, Nebraska
James D. Fawcett Ph.D. ConselVation in the 21 st Century: New Zealand Perspective Robert Sprackland, Ph.D. : History of Monitors in Herpetoculture Daniel D. Fogell Dept. of Biology,University of Nebraska at Omaha: The Status and Distribution of Southeast Nebraska's Pit Vipers Thomas G. Curro, DVM, MS: The Challenges of Medically Managing a Large Herpetological Collection in a Zoological Selling Steve A. Seifert, MD, FACMT, FACEP: Preparing For and Managing Exotic and Indigenous Reptile Envenomations Jessi Krebs, Cryptobranchid Interest Group: Research, ConselVation, and HUSbandry of Hellbenders and Giant Salamanders Robyn Markland, Pro Exotics Reptile: Evolution of Change in Reptile Husbandry Andrew Koraleski, Omaha Zoo: Husbandry Changes For Uroplatus Species At Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo Marcia Bradley, Private Breeder: No More Disposable Pets: An Introduction to the Mountain Horned Dragon Dean Alessandrini, Private Breeder: Limiting Factors and Recovery Efforts of the Eastern Indigo Snakes
Agenda Friday, October 17th, 2003
4pm - 9pm: Registrations, receive symposium packet 6pm - 10pm: Icebreakers at the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo: behind the scenes tours of reptile areas (map to zoo provided) 8pm - ???: Hospitality suite with complimentary food, beer, soda, and snacks (Red Lion Hotel)
Saturday, October 18th, 2003
7am: Registrations, receive symposium packet 8am - 5pm: Speakers presentations (listed above) Noon: Lunch on your own 6pm: Cocktails 7pm: Buffet dinner with 3 entrees Featured Speaker: Dr. James D. Fawcell, ConselVation in the 21 st Century: New Zealand Perspective 9pm - 11 pm: Auctions 10pm - ???: Hospitality suite with complimentary beer, soda, and snacks
Sunday October 19th, 2003
1 Dam - 5pm: Nebraska Reptile Breeders Expo and Sale Nebraska's Largest Captive Born Reptile Show 50 tables of vendors with 1000's of reptiles and supplies 9am - 11 pm Native Reptile Exhibit with Photography stage and conselVation discussions 11 pm - 5pm Native Reptile Exhibit with Photography stage
For more information visit http://www.nebherp.org/MHSflyer.doc or you can call1email Glenn E. Eisel, President Nebraska Herpetological Society [email protected] 402-210-7485 H, 402-734-6734 W Note: Early registration ends September 15th. Red Lion Hotel: 402-397-4545 - mention the symposium to get the special rates.
PageS
The Newslettcr of the IHinnesota HClvctoIogical Society September 2003 Volume 23 Number 9
FLORIDA SCIENTISTS SEEK TO
TRAP GIANT LIZARDS
Submitted by Heather Clayton
been released into the wild after being kept as pets, or the roaming lizards might all be descendants of a single pregnant female who was released.
CAPE CORAL, Fla. - Biologists in southwest Florida have set out to Campbell and his assistants,
trap a. species of giant, c~rnivo-·I1f111-)'(}pi1Ji.gn,.ltril'1'QliIiizgE rou.s lizards normally native. to IOivliiif¢liEt.!popcQm Afnca that appear to be spreadmg'lcsf?-tli.im":-;-: . through the region. sna.c. or . ..', .
Cape Coral has become a haven for Nile monitor lizards, and their population in the Gulf Coast city has possibly reached the thousands, said Todd Campbell, a University of Tampa assistant professor of biology who has started a project to monitor the monitors. Options being studied include
a carnivorous lizard that hails from Africa and is well-known for stealing and eating crocodile eggs.
relocating or killing the animals.
The first official report of a monitor lizard in Cape Coral was in 1990. Since then, Cape Coral has received 145 reports.
Nile monitor lizards, which can easily grow to 5 feet, might have become established in Cape Coral in one of two ways, Campbell said. Some may have Page 6
- --- --
working with state and federal grants, are trying to learn whether monitor lizards have become a threat to native species. The animals can hunt prey in the water, in trees and even underground.
"They likely eat anything they can fit in their mouths," said Gregg Klowden, a University of Florida biologist working on the project. "In my opinion, burrowing owls are like popcorn snacks for them"
In Africa, the lizards eat crocodile eggs, fish, mussels and snails. "They certainly wouldn't have any problem with baby alligators," Campbell said, adding: "These things eat oysters, so to crunch a gopher tortoise shell would be nothing. They probably eat armadillos, foxes, ground doves, reptiles, amphibians. There's one story of a lady finding a hatchling monitor eating goldfish out of her pond." §
MHS BOARD MEETING REVIEW AUGUST 2, 2003 by Barb Buzicky, Recording Secretary
The Board Meeting was called to order at 6:09 PM. All Board Members were present, non-board members present were: Sarah Richard, Christian Kulus, Jaime Pajak.
The minutes from the July 12, 2003, board meeting were read and approved with changes. The Treasurer's Report for July 2003, was read and approved. The Membership Report for July 2003, was read and approved. The President had no report. The Vice-President confirmed speakers for upcoming meetings, September-Daryl Karns, October-Charles Guiness (ARAV Speaker), November-Tim Walkins, December and Holiday Banquet-pending. There were no committee reports. Old Business-The General Policy changes are okay. MHS will have its own web name so funds were approved for that purpose. Discussion about name permanent nametags, Marilyn getting pricing. The Turtle Regulations Meeting was attended by Tony and Randy. The meeting was a hearing for both sides to voice their issues before a final decision is made. The Larson's are volunteering
( .... board - contiued on page 11)
Thc NewsleUcr of thc ~flinncsota HCllletological Society September 200B Volume 23 Number 9
MHS 2002
Grants Awarded in This nature center is found along the Root River Trail system and is a focus for tourists.
by REBlasus, Grant Chair
The following is a summary of the grants approved and distributed by the MHS in 2002.
The Bell Museum preserved specimen collection received funding in the
University of Wisconsin student, MHS member and Minnesota expatriate Brian Cmobma received $500 to complete his funding to study the microhabitat needs of herpetofauna in the Peruvian rainforest.
amount of $700 to purchase a second Dan Meinhardt, Bell Museum associate 35 gallon stainless steel storage tank for and assistant Professor at St. Olaf large turtle specimens. This allows for College, received a $300 grant to study more permanent storage for large spec- the genetic inheritance, or lack thereof, imens. of the 'bumsi' color morph of Leopard
Frogs in North Dakota.
Cassie Phillips, a high school student working with Tony Gamble, received MHS now recognizes two distinct peri$200 dollars for materials in her project ods for acceptance of grants and have to research the history of published and established dates for monetary distribuunpublished turtle studies in Minnesota tion. Requests will be analyzed for indisince 1985. Her findings will be made vidual merit and for the best fit to MHS' available to future turtle researchers. Aims and Goals. While MHS still
accepts proposals outside of these peri
The third and final year of the Timber ods, funding may not be available and Rattlesnake project will receive $1,000 grant consideration may be postponed. to finish the project resulting in the total For more details and a downloadable of $3,500 being granted over the life of application form go to: www.bellmusethe study. Results will assist the DNR um.org/herpetology/Grants.html. with management plans for the snakes. Applicants can be sent by email at
[email protected] or regular mail to: Grad student Jaime Edwards, working Grant Chair, Minnesota Herpetological in conjunction with the MNDNR, is start- Society, Bell Museum of Natural History, ing to radio track Wood Turtles in 10 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN Minnesota for a three year study to 55455-0104. develop a management plan for the species. She was awarded $1,000 toward this project.
The Houston Nature Center in southeastem Minnesota needed funding to prepare a mount for a dead Bullsnake to compliment other herp displays. The center received $220 for this request.
§
An Ode to Prey by Heather Clayton
We herpers, we love you, Your death not in vain Well do we feed you
So our herps have weight gain
Crickets, how crunchy You chirp all night long You'll be lizard lunchy No matter your song
Of course there's the mealworm They're kept a bit cold
If let go full term Beetles you will behold
And then there is mousie So cute and furry
When put in snake's housie You're gone in a hurry
Can't forget all the rats Who we so nobly take Their bodies from cats
And give them to snakes
For those who are large We must have our rabbit
We're big as a barge And have stomachs to match it
There are many others Like roaches, moths, flies
They say "bye" to their mothers Then catch the lizard's eyes
Smart herpers, hooray You take care of your pet
Feed them good prey It's nothing you'll regret
Page 7
The Newslcttcr of the tvlinnesota HCIl)c(ological Society September 2003 Volume 23 Numher 9
AJ.J.J6ATOR SNAPPIN6 TURTLE: MA6N1FICENT BEAST PROTECTED FROM~ by John B. Jensen, Georgia Department of Natural Resources
"The following account is a true story. not of the fish, but rather the ened species. I was very Some names have been changed to pro- turtle, he had caught a few pleased to get the capture teet the not-so innocent. One turtle was days earlier. A 57 pound "Iog- information on No. 119, which harmed in the making ofthis story. gerhead" (local vernacular for would certainly help add to the
the alligator snapping turtle) limited knowledge of alligator Summer mornings often fell for his one of his baited snapping turtle movements
find many herpetologists "in hooks set in Kinchafoonee and growth. Interestingly, over the field" studying their cold- Creek. This particular turtle the course of eight years, this blooded species of interest. had a metal tag attached to turtle gained 32 pounds and Unfortunately, that was not the one of its feet and Mr. Trotline moved upstream several kilocase for me on July 17, 1997. correctly reasoned that some- meters into a tributary of the Faced with what seemed to be one with the ON R put that tag Flint. I thanked Mr. Trotline for an insurmountable stack of there and would be interested being so kind to inform me of deadline-ridden paperwork, I his catch and was com- asked if he pletely office- had already bound. As the released it. principal her- To say the petologist for least, I was the Georgia quite un pre-Department pared for his of Natural answer _ "No, Resources' I ate it." Non gam e - I thought Endangered _ "How could W i I d I i f e he possibly Pro g ram, tell me this?" however, I After all, the must also be alligator snap-available for ping turtle is a other unex- pro t e c ted pected duties species and when working Mr. Trotline at my office was openly in Forsyth. telling a state F r e que n t biologist with
pu blic ass is- 1b="";;;===";";"""===,;,,,,==============,,,,,,!J the tance phone Endangered calls, usually snake "crises", in knowing about the catch. Wildlife Program of his illegal are par for the course, but one The turtle, or Number 119 feast! Clearly, "Catfish" particular call that day was as he was affectionately Trotline was not aware of the quite unexpected. known, was a male turtle first alligator snapper's status and
Mr. "Catfish" Trotline, a caught farther downstream in since he only meant well by fisherman from Southwest the Flint River during a 1989 calling us, he was pardoned. Georgia, called to inform me status survey of this threat-
Page 8
IiEn~
The Newsletter of the ~'lillllCsota HellJetoiogical Society Septemher 2003 Volume 23 Number 9 ~~z~
Alligator snapping turtles were once highly prized for their meat. Old-timers professed that there are seven different flavors of meat on a single turtle (one of them must be chicken, I assume). Many freshwater turtle species were eaten, but 'gator snappers could provide a much greater quantity of meat than others and thus were especially favored. During the 1960s and
1970s, Campbell's, and certainly others, even produced a canned turtle soup. It was this fact that eventually led to the decline and threatened status of the alligator snapper.
Commercial turtle trapping operations strongly focused on this species since it was easy to catch and its enormous size ensured good earnings for the trappers that sold meat at per pound rates. The removal of so many large, mature alligator snappers from the rivers and streams of the southeastern Gulf Coastal Plain caused a huge population crash in many areas, requiring state agencies to prohibit commercial harvest.
The largest freshwater turtle in the Western Hemisphere, the alligator snapping turtle can reach 250 pounds or more
and have a shell nearly one yard in length. Alligator snappers look quite pre-historic, with three jagged ridges on the carapace, a massive head with powerful hooked jaws, bearlike claws, and a long scaly tail. On the floor of its mouth is a pink, fleshy structure that is unique to this species. The worm-like process is wiggled and twitched while the turtle lies otherwise motionless under the water with its mouth wide-open. This action lures small fish within striking distance of its lightning-quick jaws. Actually, fish are only one component of a highly opportunistic and varied diet that includes smaller turtles, mussels, birds, muscadine grapes, palmetto berries, acorns, and carrion (and fishhooks).
Humans very rarely see alligator snapping turtles, except those people who purposely pursue the turtles, such as biologists and trappers. However, many people misidentify their smaller cousin, the common snapping turtle, as an alligator snapper. Common snapping turtles often travel across land from one aquatic habitat to another, which puts them in view of humans much more frequently. Conversely, alligator snappers never voluntarily leave the water, except nesting females, which rarely stray more than a few yards beyond the highwater line.
Today, even biologists rarely see alligator snappers. In an effort to evaluate current populations of this species in Georgia, I, along with other
!2C1Il'\'3
colleagues and volunteers, conducted status surveys in the major stream systems of Georgia within the species' range. Using live traps and snorkeling searches, we did in fact find 'gator snappers, but certainly not in the numbers we had hoped. One river, the Suwannee, yielded no captures or sightings of this spec-tacular creature, despite seemingly ideal habitat. Clearly, commercial trapping in the past left this and many other Georgia streams with very depressed populations.
Hopefully, with protection measures in place preventing commercial harvest of this species in Georgia and elsewhere, this species will make a successful comeback, much the way its namesake, the American Alligator, did following over-hunting and subsequent protection. However, building on the lesson learned
Southeastern distribution
from that phone call in July of 1997, we obviously need to make the public more aware of the threatened status of the magnificent alligator snapping turtle. §
Page 9
~(l'.I1EIl~./l~ The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society September 2003
Z . -~ , ,>
Volume 23 Number 9
,s'\?C lIl'r"
TlLufJA LCLKd By John P. Levell be found anywhere in North regional herpetofaunal reviews,
America. Prominent examples of the vast majority of author St. "Alan Sf. John's Reptiles of the these naturally include tri-col- John's impressive little volume Northwest (2002): A Review" ored Milksnakes, California consists of individual accounts
Mountain and Sonoran Mountain for each of the Pacific With Reptiles of the Kingsnakes, Long-nosed Northwest's native reptile
Northwest: California to Snakes, Common Garter Snakes species. These multi-page Alaska - Rockies to the Coast, with varying degrees of spectac- species accounts provide infornaturalist Alan st. John has pro- ular red-spotting, Collared mation on how to recognize and duced an exceptional and handy Lizards and two local species of where to find each of the various little guide to the reptiles of Alligator Lizard, which have animals, along with additional North America's Pacific comments on particularly Northwest region. This interesting or important geographic area en com- behaviors and habits, typi-passes a sizeable portion cal of most field guide style of the North American publications. At the same Continent from the west- time, however, st. John's ern slopes of the Rocky species accounts also often Mountains to the Pacific incorporate a section of Coast and extending from "field notes," which provide extreme northern some additional more per-California, Nevada, Utah sonal insights into his and northwest Colorado, encounters with the reptil-northward to the more ian inhabitants of the Pacific temperate portions of Northwest region. southern Alaska. The vol- Naturally, illustrations are ume therefore provides easily among the most complete coverage of the important features deter-reptile species found mining the value of any vol-throughout all of Idaho, ume designed primarily to Oregon, Washington and assist in correctly identify-British Columbia, as well ing species of animals and as some of western plants, as anyone who regu-Montana and Wyoming larly uses field guides can and those portions of the readily attest. In this area states mentioned previ- st. John's title really excels, ously. since multiple high quality
While few would con- photographs illustrate each sider the region a her- of his various species petologist's Mecca, the accounts. This is particular-forty-two or so reptile Iy helpful with those species species occurring in the Pacific always been included among exhibiting high levels of variabiliNorthwest include some of the this reviewer's favorite American ty in coloration and/or pattern, as most interesting and/or stunning- lizards. is the case with several regional Iy beautiful lizards and snakes to As is the case with most Garter Snakes. The fact that
Page 10
The Newsletter of the :Minncsota Hell)etological Society September 2003 Volume 23 Number 9
species account photos have title is something more book been reproduced at a most gen- publishers need to discover. erous size only further enhances Factor in the informative and their overall usefulness. entertaining text author St. John
Additional color photos of has packed into this paperback various sizes are also included volume's 272 pages and his among the title's illustrated Reptiles of the Pacific "quick key" to species identifica- Northwest quickly becomes an tion and in the supplemental even bigger bargain. material covering regional habi- Obviously, Reptiles of the tats, field observation, and the Northwest: California to various introduced non-native Alaska - Rockies to the Coast reptile species. All told, the title is well worthy of inclusion in any contains well over 450 color pho- herpetology library, and most tos as well as numerous other particularly those that focus priassorted full color illustrations marily on North America's herand color distribution maps, petofauna. That a companion making this one lavishly illustrat- volume on the amphibians of the ed little volume indeed. As is the Pacific Northwest has also been case with the textual content, all released by Lone Pine photographs and other illustra- Publishing should prove real tions are also the work of author good news for many herpetologiSt. John and the reason why cal bibliophiles as well. This many of his photos have reviewer, for one, also sincerely appeared in prominent national hopes that similar regional herperiodicals will be readily appar- petofaunal reviews will be forthent by even the most casual coming from Lone Pine perusal of his book's pages. Publishing soon.
Rounding out the volume is a list of Pacific Northwest plant Bibliographic Data: species mentioned in the text, a short Glossary of selected terms, St. John, Alan D. 2002. Reptiles a well-organized bibliographic of the Northwest: California to listing of additional resources Alaska - Rockies to the Coast. including web pages of various Lone Pine Publishing; 1901 professional herpetological and Raymond Ave. SW, Suite C; natural history organizations, Renton, Washington 98055; and a checklist style "Lifelist" for U.S.A.; http://www.lonepinepubrecording one's personal Pacific lishing.com. Northwest reptile observations.
Perhaps most impressive of all is retail price of only $18.95, particularly since the photo- John and Connie Levell own and graphic content of the title alone operate NorthStar Herpetological easily justifies the investment. Associates; P.O. Box 389; Lallesboro, Exactly how so many quality MN 55949; 507 467-3076; color illustrations can be provid- [email protected]/1/
ed in one inexpensive yet quality §
( .... board - continued from page 6)
their land for some field work-programs are being put together. New Business-Chairs are being established for the Midwest Herp Symposium in 2005 being held in Minnesota. Funds were approved for renovations to the State Fair exhibit. Reimbursement for housing Iguanas approved by the board. Changes in the adoption policy will be sent via e-mail to board members to be discussed at the October Board Meeting. Payment of Insurance for MHS was approved. The Budget Committee will be working on next year's budget. Philip Woutat resigned as Member-At-Large, and nominations for appointees need to notify a board member, as the appointment will be made in October. Funds approved to purchase hands on giveaways. MHS will be sending raffle items for the International Breeders Association, Asia Conservation Program in Florida August 15-17, 2003. Tony Gamble won an Award in Brazil for Best Oral Presentation due to his talk on Turtle Harvesting. The Board gave him congratulations.
There were 93 in attendance at the general meeting on August 1, 2003.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM.
The next Board Meeting will be October 4, 2003, at the St. Paul Student Center Room 202, 6:00 PM. §
Page 11
The Newsletter of the l\1innesota Helvetological Society September 2003 Volume 23 Number 9
Speaker Review Unfortunately, there is no clear malformed frogs. There have August General Meeting Speaker: answer to these questions. been some found also in William Souder Some malformations have been Southern Canada and Japan. Program: A brief History of caused by bacterial infections, The most common species Amphibian Malformations and some others have been found with these deformities are by Barb Buzicky, Recording traced to parasitic the green frog, the mink frog, Secretary invasions. When these prob- the Pacific Tree Frog, and the
lems occur, it happens at a spe- Northern Leopard Frog. There Our speaker for the August MHS cific point in the frog's develop- are many types of malforma-General Meeting was, William men!. tions ranging from the webbing Souder, who is a writer for the of skin on the legs, shrunken Washington Pos!. He is the There are some chemicals also legs, half legs, extra legs, small author of the book titled "A that have been linked to the feet, webbed toes, distorted Plague of Frogs." He wrote the problem such as vitamin A and fusion of both legs, missing first volume in the spring of alcohol, and other contami- eyes, eyes located above the 2000, and the new book (black nants. There were large shoulder, missing lower jaw, in color) just recently. His book amounts of deformed frogs and missing legs. Is this a norand the talk was about the prob- found in some Minnesota man- mal phenomenon? Has this lem of malformations in frogs made ponds where the only been going on for all time? Is which is an issue that is not possibility of contaminants were this a natural progression of going to go away any time soon. from buried toxic materials frogs? Unfortunately, there is There are still many sites where present in the soil before the no defined baseline to work these animals are being discov- pond was dug. There is a par- from. Mr. Souder has found ered. Malformations of frogs is ticular site in Crow many provable scientific causes a topic that has been talked Wing (CWB) (Minnesota) where for these malformations such as about for many years with the a 30-acre pond, which was not trauma, parasites, bacterial first being written in about the man-made, had samples of infections, ultraviolet radiation, 1640's in a paper that described severe deformities particularly chemical contaminants, and some frogs as having an extra in Leopard Frogs. The only global warming. So, the mysleg. There are scientific jour- hypothesis was based on the tery will continue. § nals from the mid 1800's that fact that there were cows from have articles about extra legs. a bordering dairy farm that were And, as recently as 1990, allowed to go into the pond. Stanley Sessions wrote an arti- The problem could have been cle in the "Journal of caused from the chemicals fed Experimental Zoology" talking to the animals to keep the about them. insects
down, then, the cow goes into Mr. Souder has been trying to the water and defecates which figure out the exact nature of adds chemically contaminated these malformations. Are they feces to the water. The frogs due to nature at work? Are they that were severely deformed from bacterial invasion of the spent more time in the water. species? Are they caused by parasites? There are dozens of other
states in the northern tier that Are they from pollution? have been noted to have found
Page 12
The Newsletter of the -Minnesota Herpetological Society
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September 2003 Volume 23
Minnesota Herpetological Society Treasurer's Report Prepared by Marilyn Brooks Blasus, Treasurer
For the Month Ending July 31, 2003
Income: Membership Sales (net) Donations Raffle Misc.
Total Income:
Expense: Newsletter Printing and Postage Other Printing and Postage Program Conservation I Donation Supplies and Refreshments Misc.
Total Expense:
Net Gain I (Loss):
$ 195.00 $ 366.08 $1970.00 $ 67.00 $ 80.00 $2668.08
$ 373.00 $ 506.80 $ 100.00
- $1000.00 $ 0 $ 694.05 $ 670.95
$1997.03
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Page 13
The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpdolohrica1 So<:idr September 2003 Volume 23 Number ~)
Classified Advertisements Classified ads are free to the membership. Deadline Is the night of the general meeting for Inclusion In the next newsletter. 1.0.0 = male, 0.1.0 = female, 0.0.1 "" unsexed, cb := captive bred, obo = or best offer, + = limes run ( ads are run 3 times unless specifically requested to continue).
For Sale For Sale: 1.1 adult Timor monitors, breeders. One of the smallest monitor species. $300/pair, obo. Chelsea DeArmond, 651-776-5216 or [email protected] +
Frozen Rabbits - all sizes. Prices very reasonable - pinkies to adults. Jim Daluge 763.295.2818
Flightless Fruitflies - Excellent food for dart frogs, mantellas, hatchling geckos, baby chameleons, spiderlings, and other small herps. Two species available: Drosophila melanogaster (small) and Drosophila hyde! (large). $5/culture or $25/6 cUltures. Each culture contains 30 to 50 adult flies and has potential to produce several hundred young. Also, Mealworms, two sizes available -regular and mini. $5/1000. Can be delivered to MH8 meetings. Call Tony Gamble 612-747-6682 or email tgam[email protected] +++
,'- -. '_. ---'------'---'---------=-=-------,-
E(l9fi$h Spot 0"'<1>
Jim's Rabbit Shack "'Where Spots Aro Tops·
JIMOAlUGE {153} 295-2818
Page 14
8700 Jaber Ave, NE Mon~lIO, MN 55362
Did you know ....... . Classified line ads are run free to MHS members?
Fuzzies Hoppers Adults
$7/dz
$8/dz $10/dz
Wanted Wanted: All the shed snake skins in the world. Needed for giveaways to kids at educational programs. Call Bob Duerr 651-489-5087
Fuzzies $15/dz
8m Adult $1!i/dz
Med Adult $24/dz bgAdult $30/dz
Jumbo $36/dz
For pick-up at monthly meetings only. Orders Must be placed at least one week in advance of date of meeting at which the frozen rodents are to be delivered. Place orders with Jody Holmstrom at 651.224.7212 or [email protected]
®~iJ W@I)JJ~ ~~®®£®~ iJ@ W@[)JJ~ iJ!A\~®~iJ !A\I)JJ@O~IM©~ \WlOiJllfl !A\ llO~
~£®~ !A\@o
$'\1 ® 1¥l~1ru 1Ilil@1Mll'1HI $'\I'\I® 1¥l~1ru WMIru'"
•
'12th month is free on a one year commitment
~.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~"V~~~) Advertising Policies
/i.!Fr§;==================~~.~ MHS Ad Policy: The MHS assumijS NO RESPONSIBILITY regarding the health or (" legality of any animal, or the quality or legality of any product or service advertised in
MHSAD RATES Business card
1/4 Page 1/2 Page Full Page
$5/Month $55Near* $10/Month $110Near* $20/Month $220Near* $40/Month $440Near*
the MHS Newsletter. Any ad may be rejected at the discretion of the Newsletter Editor. Due to space limitations, unpaid and complimentary advertisements are sub· ject to occasional omission.
Classified Ads: All active members are allowed a classified ad, run free of charge as space permits. Ads may be ran three consecutive months, after which time they may be resubmitted. Corresponding members are allowed a complimentary business card advertisement monthly as space pennlts. Due to federal restrictions on Non-profit mailing permits, we are not allowed to run ads for travel, credit or Insur~ ance agencies.
Submissions: All advertisements should be submitted to the MHS Editor. Bell :It Note: 12th month is free on a one year commitment Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Deadline
is the night of the Geneml Meeting for inclusion In the next newsletter. Make checks • • payable to: Minnesota Herpetological Society.
r-----------------------------------------------, Minnesota Herpetological Society Membership Application :
New Name
Renewal Address
Membershiptl City, State, Zip,
Type Phone Email List in MHS Directory? Yes No
Check tI Herp related interests
.. Active Memberships: Sustaining ($60/year) Contnbutlng ($30/year) BaSIC ($15/year)
Corresponding Memberships: Commercial ($25/year 2 Business Card Ads/year)
Required check info. Drivers Lic # State DOB Please enclose the proper payment with your application. Make Checks Payable To: Minnesota Herpetological Society. Membership is for 12 months from the date of approval, a receipt will be sent only upon request. Mail to: Minnesota Herpetological Society, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church SI. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Please allow 6-8 weeks for processing.
L _______________________________________________ ~
MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREET SE MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104
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Next Meeting: UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA~ ST. PAUL CAMPUS
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Friday, September 5, 2003 7:00PM Room 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus
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MHS Voice Mail: 612.624_7065
MHS Web Page: www.bellmuseum.org/herpetology/main_html