Vol. 13 (1993), No. 7

NEWSLETTER OF THE

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

JULY 1993 BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

VOLUME XIII 10 CHURCH STREET SOUTH EAST

NUMBER 7 MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

Do you ever have a question about onc of your herps and wonder who might be able to provide an answer? Most people who keep pets of any kind have been is this situation at one time or another. A group of MHS members has volunteered

to provide assistance. Listed below are the people and their specialties. Please be reasonable about the time of day and how frequently you call.

Large pythons and constrictors Glen (Jake) Jacobsen 757-8268 Vence Jimerson 869-8547

Other Snakes John Meltzer John Levell Connie Levell

263-7880 374-5422 374-5422

Lizards Nancy Haig 789-4637 Bill Moss 488-1383 Drew Newman (Iguana) 774-6008

Amphibians John Meltzer Greg Kvanbek Drew Newman

263-7880 533-7723 774-6008

Terrestrial turtles and tortoises John Moriarty 647-1334 Ann Porwoll 489-7853

Aquatic Turtles Michele Stillinger Dennis Daly

224-7212 633-8370

The purpose of the Minnesota Hepetological Society is: to further the education of the membership and the general public in care and captive propagation of retiles and amphibians; to educate the membership and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles and amphibians; and to promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.

MHS BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY RECORDING SECRETARY TREASURER NEWSLETTER EDITOR MEMBER-AT-LARGE MEMBER-AT-LARGE MEMBER-AT-LARGE MEMBER-AT-LARGE IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Glen Jacobsen John Levell Connie Levell Drew Newman Marilyn Brooks Michele Stillinger Jeff LeClere Bill Moss Hans Paulson Sara Richard John Meltzer

(612) 757-8268 (612) 374-5422 (612) 374-5422 (612) 774-6008 (612) 431-2146 (612) 224-7212 (612) 467-3715 (612) 488-1383 (715) 425-7959 (612) 623-7620 (612) 263-7880

SNAKEBITE EMERGENCY HENNEPIN REGIONAL POISON CENTER

(612) 347-3141

MINNESOTA POISON CONTROL SYSTEM LOCAL

(612) 221-2113

OUT OF STATE

(800) 222-1222

Copyright Minnesota Herpetological Society. The contents of this newsletter may be reproduced for inclu~~on

in the newsletters of other herpetological societies provided that the material is reproduced

without change and proper credits arc given to the MHS Newsletter, citing, volume, number, and date.

MINNESOTA

HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY

From the Editor

Table of Contents MHS Bus iness

2

Upcoming Meeting

3

Upcoming Herp Events

4

HFYI

5

Blast from the Past

8

Review:

14

Jurassic Park

Classified Ads

15

MHS Classifieds

16

This month I decided to tryout a new article called Blast from the Past. It's a look back at the Minnesota Herpetological Society and Newsletter. I hope that you'll find it entertaining, enlightening, and informative.

I'd also like to let everyone know that the society receives registration forms and full info for all the conferences and symposiums listed in the Upcoming Herp Events page. If anyone is interested in attending one of these events, feel free to save yourself some money and contact me for a copy of the registration form instead of calling long distance.

I hope everyone had a great time at the MRS picnic and that your summer is going great despite all the rain. Just keep thinking of all the frogs and toads there will be next year!!!

Next Newsletter Deadline:

***

August 6th, 1993

Send all inquiries, ads, and articles directly to the editor

***

MHS EDITOR 234 West George St. St. Paul, MN 55107 Corrections: In the review of W.S. Brown's book, Biology, Status, and Management of the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus): A Guide for Conservation, that appeared in last month's MHS newsletter, a mistake was made in crediting a photo to Joseph Collins. The proper citation for that particular photo should read: Suzanne L. Collins and Joseph T. Collins. As Suzanne's expertise with the camera is well known, I most sincerely apologize for this oversight.

JPL

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 7

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MRS

BUSINESS

Board Meeting Attending: Glen Jacobsen, John & Connie Levell, Drew Newman, Marilyn Brooks, Michele Stillinger, Bill Moss, Hans Paulson, Sarah Richard, Dan Bergquist, Randy Blasus.

Membership #'s are 210 with 303 actual members.

Adoptions Dan Bergquist - king snake Cindy Hoeye - iguana Greg Kvanbek - turtle Hans Paulson - iguana Sarah Richard - iguana Raffle Winners: Dan Bergquist, Dean H., Dallas Ost, Cindy Hoeye, Bruce Haig, Bill Moss, Marilyn Brooks, Drew Newman, Brandon Delles, and two people named Shaw who's first names I couldn't read!

Donors: Randy Blasus, Marilyn Brooks, John and Connie Levell, Rea family.

Items included: several t-shirts, some cages, puzzles, books, Chicago bulletins .

..... *" ..... Thanks to all who donated and to those who purchased tickets!! .......... *" .......... *" A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO PRESIDENT GLEN JACOBSEN for donating a two year subscription to the new magazine Reptiles by the makers of Dog Fancy and Cat Fancy magazine. *" *" *" Critter of the Month Bobby Torres - Reeve's turtle, eastern box turtle, John Levell - ornate box turtle, Jeff LeClere - red tailed rat snake , Todd Cherveny - a huge spiny softshell turtle, Drew Newman - Wagler's tree viper, Dan Bergquist - hatchling spur thighed tortoise.

I would like to thank everyone who has helped out ~Iith the refreshments. I am terribly sorry that you have not been all acknowledged. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, nor have they been forgotten. The fact is, is that I am terribly bad at keeping notes. A big thank you to the people who have donated refreshments. Here is a partial list: Toni & John Jesmer, Hans Paulson, Becky Helgeson, Cindy & Ken Hoeye, and the Rea family.

Please keep up the good work, every little effort helps. If you are someone who donated a refreshment and I didn't include your name, please tell me and I will give you the credit you deserve.

Another big thanks to Greg Kvanbek, Marilyn Brooks, Sarah Richard, and Becky Helgeson for setting up the refreshments during the months I was unable to attend the meeting.

Thank you, Nanette Jimerson Refreshment Chairperson [If you would like to donate refreshments contact Nanette at 869-8547]

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 7

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UPCOMING AUgust Program: Speaker:

MHS

MEETING

HIGHLIGHTS

Reptile Nutrition

Michael J. Massie

Where: Borlaug Hall, U of MN St. Paul Campus When: 7:00 pm, Friday August 6th, 1993 The program for August meeting will focus on the proper nutrition of captive reptiles. Our presenter, Michael J. Massie, is president of Pretty Bird International, Inc., a leading pet food manufacturer located in nearby Stacy, Minnesota. For the past couple of years, Mike has been actively engaged in researching and developing balanced diets specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs for many different reptile species. Some of the products of Mike's efforts are currently being marketed under the brand name Pretty Pet, a subsidiary of Pretty Bird, and include foods for tortoises and iguanas, among others.

Besides the usual slides, Mike has promised to bring along some of the animals that have been "enrolled" in his nutritional research programs. These live specimens will allow MRS members to see "firsthand" the effects a well balance diet has on the appearance and health of our animals. Not one to bask in the glow of past accomplishments, Mike is constantly researching the nutritional requirements of various types of reptiles and he will update us on these projects as well.

All in all this promises to be a most interesting program, especially for those of us who maintain reptiles in captivity. Mike is highly knowledgeable about the health needs of reptiles and will be a most enlightening speaker. I urge everyone to attend this meeting, you'll surly learn something new.

JPL UPCOMING MEETINGS Sept: John Meltzer - Breeding Sand Boas Oct: Nov: Eric Thiss - Natural History and Captive Care of Garter Snakes Dec: Thomas Tyning - Natural History, Ecology and Conservation of the timber Rattlesnake XMAS: Thomas Tyning - Uncommon Behavior in Common Herps CRITTER OF THE MONTH In an effort to continue the large turnout of critters for Critter of the Month, the board has decided to keep the categories as basic as possible. Therefore, August's critter will be: any herp that eats!

Remember: Anyone can bring a herp, but some guidelines need to be restated.

Bring a proper display case, clear all potentially dangerous reptiles with a board member first, this includes venomous animals! Keep animals inside their bags or cages in the meeting room at all times before and after Critter of the Month. If you must show someone ahead of time your favorite pet, go outside in the hall. This ensures some safety for the animal, too many hands and people trying to catch a glimpse can cause an accident or escape. Thanks!

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 7

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UPCOMING

HERPETOLOGICAL

EVENTS

Upcoming herpetological Events is a listing of herp related conferences, symposiums, shows, lectures, classes, and local MHS hands on events.

QUICK VIEW

August 93

September 93

* FL Breeders Expo 8/13 - 15 * Hands on Henn. Cty. Humane Soc. 8/14 * St. Louis Expo 8/29 * Renaissance Festival

* East TX conf. & Expo 9/10 - 12 * Mid Atlantic Show, Baltimore 9/25 - 26

8/14 - 9/26

October thru Dec. 93

* International Expo San Diego 10/2 - 3 * Midwest Conference

Des Moines 10/22 - 24

*

MHS Holiday Party 12/4

CONFERENCES & SYMPOSIUMS The annual Midwestern Herpetological Conference, sponsored by the Iowa Herp Society, will be held in Des Moines, Iowa on October 22 - 24th at the Sheraton Inn. Room reservations: (515) 278-5575. Info can be received from Allen Anderson, president of the Iowa Herp Soc. at (515) 981-0402 or fax to same number Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Tentative speakers: Dr. Richard S. Funk, DVM, Dr. Dick Ross, MD, Don Perschau, Iowa Herp Soc., and private breeders; Eugene Bessette, John McGrath, Al & Cindy Baldogo, and Torn Weidner.

The East Texas Herp Soc. conference and expo will be held on September 10th12th at the Sheraton Astrodome in Houston, TX. Speakers include: David Lazcano, Bob Sears, Joe Branham, Ron Markel, Dr. James Jarchow, Dr. Gary Ferguson, Paul Freed, Dan Johnson, Dr. Tim Tytle, and Stephen H. Hammack. Keynote speaker: David Barker, Pythons of the World. Events include behind the scenes tour of the Houston Zoo, auction, buffet, exhibits, and breeders expo/sale.

Registration ranges from $20 to $40, rooms are $65. Sheraton: (1-800-627-6461).

For info contact David Doherty at (713) 367-4963 or Russ Walker at (409) 594-5554.

EXPOS & SHOWS The Mid Atlantic Reptile Show, sponsored by the Maryland Herp Soc. is on Sept.

25 - 26th in Baltimore. Keynote speaker: Dr. Roger Conant. Admission is $10.

Hotel reservations (mention show for discount) call 1-800-228-9290 at the Marriott's Hunt Valley Inn. Proceeds purchase rain forest through the Ecosystem Survival Plan.

The 2nd Annual International Reptile Breeder's Convention will be held on October 2 - 3rd in San Diego. Admission $6.50, includes: icebreaker, slide show, Keynote speaker John Andy Phillips, San Diego Zoo, show and sales. Hotel Reservations: Bristol Court Hotel, (1-800-662-4477).

The 1st annual St. Louis Reptile Breeders Expo & Sale is August 29th at the Kirkwood Community Center. Call (314) 892-6605 or (314) 845-2038.

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 7

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1993 National Breeders Expo, Orlando, Florida, at the Twin Towers Hotel, sponsored by the Central Florida Herp Soc. August 13 - 15th. Pre registration is $10. Send to: Central FI Herp Soc. P.O. Box 3277 Winter Haven, FL 33885.

Call (813) 294-2235 for info and 1-800-327-2110 for hotel.

MHS EVENTS Hands on:

August 14th at the Hennepin County Humane Society in Golden Valley

Contact Bill Moss (488-1383) to volunteer for hands on events.

Renaissance Festival: August 14th - September 26th. This is a great time, dressing up in costumes and acting crazy! Festival runs on Saturdays and Sundays, shifts are four hours long or two, two hour shifts. Costumes are available or create your own, costume guide is available. After your shift you can roam the festival grounds and see the shows, crafts, etc. Your admission is free! Call Michele Stillinger for details and to sign up. Space goes fast, we only get so many passes a day so call right away if your interested.

(224-7212) .

f!ELD HE.'Rft.ToI..O&Y HEL~FUL.

HH-4T ~~: ALwA<r'S lRT To 'BE. 'PoLITE. f\ND \\ltfoRMR1Nf.. \JWC.t-t QUtSTID~(1) 'ElY -mE ~U1\-\ORmtS.

'Y;;Y'R~ LOO~lJB" lE.'I<.

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 7

W~AT?n 4

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HFY I

Herpetological For Your Information

HFYI is a listing of herp related information, products, trips, expeditions, classes and other items of interest for herp enthusiasts.

NEW PRODUCTS New reptile information newspaper called REPTCYCLER by experienced herpetologists and educators, subscription is $12.00 and comes out quarterly.

Write: REPTCYCLER, P.O. Box 8187, La Crescenta, CA 91224-8187, or fax (818) 957-7784. MRS will be looking at getting this for the library on a newsletter exchange.

The Ophidian Herpetological Network is a computer bulletin board for herp enthusiasts. 300-2400 BPS, 24 hours, 8+N+l Phone (602) 468-9860.

MRS has receive an interesting price list from Vida Preciosa International run

by Dave and Tracy Barker of Boerne, TX. The price list contains a large assortment of captive born pythons from ringed pythons to jungle carpets. The list also contains an assortment of products from BJ Specialties run by Bob and Dea Barker in Columbia, MO, including pinkie pumps, feeders, restraining tubes, etc. Call (314) 442-8558 for BJ Specialties price list or (210) 537-5000 for VPI price list.

SIlX'fANl'S,

ARTICLES The recent issue of OMNI magazine, Vol 15 # 9, July 1993, page 27, included this informative article on the parietal eye of lizards.

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 7

LlZI\R~,ANI)

nllAD EVIlS In olden days. sailors 路 navigated the seas with the help of a sextant. an instrument that calculated direction by measuring the altitude of the sun. Now two biologists have discovered that a species of lizard senses direction in a similar way, using what amounts to an organic sextant in the top of its head.

Barbara Ellis-Quinn 路 and Carol Simon of the City University of New York trekked to the Arizona mountains to study Yarrow's spiny lizard (Sceloporus jarrovl). Knowing that this species has a third, or "parietal." eye on the top of its head. the researchers trapped 40 of Ihe animals 路 and then covered each Iizard's third eye with a layer of paint. They then pul the lizards in bags with 40 of their counterparts, whose third eyes had not been painted. and lei all the lizards go at a spot 150 meters from their homes. Sure enough. the unpainted lizards began to find their way home within haH an hour, while

A lizard with direction their painted cousins wandered around aimlessly.

This part of the experiment confirmed that the Ihird eye is indeed the key to the lizards' sense of direction. To determine the principle on which the third eye operates. the biologists put a group of lizards in a dark room and turned on a light at midnight. which artificially accelerated Ihe lizards' biological clocks by six hours. When the animals were turned loose away I rom home. they moved purposefully toward homeexcept that they were actually 90 degrees off course. The conclusion?

Like ancient mariners, "these lizards," Simon says, "are using the sun to find their way around."

-Bill Lawren

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aas.

The Following is a post from tile Herp-Net It WBB posted by a long time heeper nllmed Leo Perron. Leo is a very well respected rontributorto Herp Net. For Those of you not fumiliar with Herp-Net, It is a COOIpUlff bulletin board with tile subject of herpetology .. !he main interest. Contributors arc from over !he country.

All you need to participate is a COOIpUlff, a modem and COIIlIIllUlir.ation software. 'The Telephone numbers are (215) 698·1905 • for 9600 baud or higher and (215) 464-3562 for 2400 baud modems. 1f you have questions ..bollt it, you can rail me at 488-1383 and I'll try to help you get set up.

Check it out • I think you'll like itl Bill Moss

- - _.._-----------Ml<g#: 6786 'HERP·NET. 06-04-9317:31:13 From: LEO PERRON To:~ALL-

Subj: VENOMOUS SNAKES· NO! Let me state my position on poisonous SDBkes in captivity.

First,

I do not advocate tile keeping of venomous SDBkes by any persons except !hose most qualified.

Second, Under no circumstl!nces should venomous SDBkes be maintained in a private dwelling.

Third, Venomous SDBkes are best if left in tile woods, pl...e do not twnper with them unless you have bad specialized training

Fourth, 1fyou ignore !he above and mess with venomous SDBkes, be prepared, because at some point you will pay !he price, a poisonous snake bite can be like a wm,p sting or it can be !he worst niglrtmare you could ever imagine. I, like most people who have bandied them for 30 plUB years, have been bitten on 1hree occasions (I have 1hanked !he lord after each bite • luckily no llU\ior ones), and my hunting partoer hlIlI been bitten twice. Mark my words, if you fool with them you will be bitten.

Fifth,

Poisonous snakes require !he game care as do other snakes . adding to !he danger. You have to handle them when reIIlOving them for cage cleaning (even with tongs iliis is highly dangerous).

You have to open tile lid to replenish 1heir water. Y011 have to open !he lid for feeding. Any time !he lid is removed you are in extreme danger, we have all at some time or another forgotl£ll to !leC\lre!he lid ofa r.age, what ifiliis cage had a poisonotls snake in it After shedding you have to check to see iftile eye shields CRnle of!; most of us have removed 1hese with tweezers, try this with a po;."""".I<!laka. it ain~ """Y' If1hoy don't eat then you have to focce fuod th.m with a pinky pump or a belly sldn • an extremely dangerous .itulllion.

PI...e leave 1hese to !he professionals.

Just thought that I should restate my positioo on this issue, because I talk a lot about the venomous snakes, well, this is my specialty, and I don~ want my fellow HERp·NE1'rs doing something stupid·· Like messing with poisonous SDBkes. ~

Le.o Perron ~-,

IJ MHS NEvlSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 7

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MHS

BLAST

FROM THE P A S T by Michele Stillinger

MHS Blast From The Past is a look back on the past accomplishments and contributions of MHS members. With the help of member Randy Blasus I hope to continue this feature every month. I hope everyone enjoys it. Thanks to John Levell for the title!

Since this is the first installment of Blast From The Past, I thought I' take a look back at the very first year of the Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter. The very first issue came out in May of 1981. It contained only TWO typewritten sheets. It highlighted the meeting for June 5th, 1981 held at the U of MN in Smith Hall. The program was by Larry Probst on Rhinoceros iguanas. This issue also contained a special thank you by the first president, Delvin Jones, to all who attended the first official meeting the month before.

At that meeting, the proposed Constitution an Bylaws were ratified and the first officers were elected. They were as follows: Delvin Jones Terry Odegaard Connie Delles

President Vice-President Secretary/Treasurer

By the September issue the rest of the current board member positions had been filled: Jim Gerholdt Newsletter Editor Member at Large John Dee Bruce Delles Member at Large Karl Herman Member at Large It's nice to know all these members are still with us! The first speaker at the June Meeting was Terry Odegaard on North American milksnakes.

In the months that followed, the newsletter contained a variety of ideas for our official logo. By September the total membership was up to a whopping 52 members, and the logo you should be familiar with (the turtle in the circle!) was finally decided upon. It was submitted by Leslye Olsen. In the January issue, Volume I # 8, the membership was listed at 72 people, membership cards ha been started, the library was growing, classified ads took up a whole page and the newsletter was now FIVE sheets or TEN pages long!

This newsletter also contained a lengthy article copied from NOAH, on the proposal for Private Registration of Reptiles and Amphibians. At this years International Herpetological Symposium (1993), this idea was still being proposed. With the ever growing problems of legislation against captive reptiles and the growing endangered species act, this process of registration has become important. The following is the article as it first appeared in our newsletter, the date of the NOAH printing is unknown.

P.S. Take a look throughout this newsletter and you'll see some of the other drawings submitted to be the official MHS logo!

MRS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 7

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The following article is reprinted through the courtesy of "Notes From NOAH", the newsletter of the Northern Ohio Association of Herpetologists. MHS ~hanks NOAH! If you have comments, please reply to NOAH, Dept. of B1010gy, Case Western University, Cleveland, Ohio, 44106

PROPOSAL PR IvATE REG I STRATI ON OF REPTI LES AND A~lPH llHANS ESPECIALLY ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES The recent 'sti ng' operation conducted by the U. S. Fi sh and Wi] dl ife Service has caused private collectors of reptiles and amphibians to question how they would prove that the threatened or endangered species in their collections had been legally acquired. As we well know, many such animals are traded or bought and sold by private collectors, without documentation. Many reptiles and amphibians are collected in the wild or result from captive breeding. If after that time such animals are protected by state or federal law, the owner would be hard pressed to prove that they had been 1ega lly acqui red. "Snakes cam" will undoubtedly ha 1t the traffic in illegally acquired reptiles- at least temporarily; but, unless steps are taken to protect the private collector, captive care and propagation of threatened and endangered species will receive a setback , from whi ch it may never recover and the I aws \~hi ch seek to protect endangered and threated species may result in their extinction. Further, unless threatened and endangered species are available legally, the black market will resume due to the high prices that can be obtained.

Dogs, cats, horses and other animals have been registered by private organizations and,such 'papers' are accepted as proof of legal ownership.

Why not reptiles and amphibians? While there' are prerequisites that would have to be fulfilled before registration of reptiles and amphibians would be feasible or accepted by public as well as private collectors, a mechanism to protect private collectors - as well as purchasers - must be established. No one can fault the objectives of Fish and Wildlife in undertaking 'Snakescam.' However, their means and methods of obtaining their objectives appear to have violated legal as well as ethical standards.

As a result, instead of the legal presumption of innocent until proven guilty, the owner of a, threatened or endangered species finds himself in the position of having to prove that such species were not acquired in violation of a state or federal law - laws which are not made known to collectors or the general public. Avenues of communication between state and federal agencies and public and private collectors must be established.

A private registration agency could be that avenue of communication.

Before private registration could be established, two areas would have to be negotiated with state and federal officials: Confidentiality of registration records and the "grandfathering" of specimens in private and public collections. Practically, no one will provide information until such information could be protected, unless disclosed by the person providing the information originally .. Unless both state and federal agencies would agree, in writing, to respect the confidential nature of the registration agency and further agree to accept registration 'papers' as proof of legal ownership, registration \~ould not be feasible.

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 7

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Further, threatened and endangered specimens must be grandfathere~ in and thei r 1ega 1 possess i on acknowl edged \~1thout further proof if such specimens are registered before the established date.路 Whl1e it is possible that some illegally acquired reptiles and/or amphibians would be legal ized by such a concession, it \~ould be the purchaser - who may have been unaware of the status - and not the poacher or wholesaler who would be protected. Moreover, it \-lOul d be the collector who may have acqui red the animal prior to its protection or acquired it through captive breedi n9 who woul d obtil i n the mas t pro tecti on _ And, a fter the grandfather date, only those specimens acquired through a registered captive breeding or captured pursuant to the required permits would be registered; future purchasers would have the protection of obtaining the 'papers' ~Ihen the specimen was acquired.

While these concessions would have to be negotiated, there are benefits to the state and federal agencies involved. Their input concerning registration regulations would receive due consideration. Further, the registration agency could agree to release information of a general nature - such as the number originally registered, new registrations (which vlould be captive breedings), and number released, etc. Such information, which has not heretofore been available, vlould be of grent assistance to feqeral and state agencies should they seek to determine the status of any endangered, threatened or near-threatened species.

Another factor in the negotiations would be publ ic pressure regarding the activities of 'Snake'scam' and the fact that Fish and lVild1ife has done little- if any thing- to facilitate legal means of acquisition.路 In its press conference on 'Snakescam' Alan Levitt, spokesman for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, stated: "Many people collect colorful exotic pets, such as snakes and bi rds. many of wh; ch mus t be caught illegally. He said the snakes sold unlawfully are virtually always bought by collectors - not for their skins of fOI' snake cult religious purposes, The illegal sales are driving some species to extinction. The Eastern indigo snake from Florida has been on the endangered species list for three years because i.t's been collected almost into extinction."

Nr. Levitt failed to mention pollution, habitat destruction, rattlesnake roundups, or cOllunon isnorance as c0ptl'ibuting causes. Later he did SilY -lllany people legally collect snakes and other reptiles. Perhaps Fish and Wildlife could achieve its objective of protection by working with, rather than against, private collectors.

The proposed registration is not intended to circumvent federal or state la~ls covering threatened.or endangered species but rather supplement such laws \~hl1e protecting the private collectors as well as the animals.

Hhile a private intrastate transaction concerning an endangered species might not be subject to state or f"deral law (for example, the sale or trade of a hatchling Eastern indigo from the mating of Pre-Act parents), the neVi owner. upon receiving the registration 'papers' would be assured that his possession was protected alld that the snake had not been illegally acquired. If questioned by a state or federal offidal, the presentation of the registration papers woulu be conclusive proof of legal possession.

If, hovlever, the pur..:haser des i red one, or if federal 1aw requi red one for transportation of specimens across state lines. a federal permit could ~till be obtained.

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 7

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The primary benefit of registration, hov/Cver, \10~ld be for t0e rep~ til as and amphi bi ans. At presen t, due to the uncerta 1nty of the 1ntent1 ons of the Fish and I-lildl ife Service, r'2ptile5 whose legal possession cannot be proven are in 1imbo. It 'is documented that I'eptiles are being destroyed, released under circumstances wherein their survival is extremely doubtful, or are.,being given a\'lay 50 that their ONne!'s vlill not have to face the wrath (or the penalties) of Fish and Wildlife if they cannot prove legal possession. Articles co~cerning c~ptiv~ care and propag~tio~ of threatened and endangered specles are belng w1thheld from publ1cat1on because the owners although they 1ega lly acqui red the specl mens in quest'i on, dl d not need p~rmits and do not vlant to call the attiontion of the Fish and Wildlife Service to their activities and risk the embarassment of being 'busted' and the cost required to prove their innocence, Therefore, unless a system of establishing legal possession of currently held, .as well as subsequently acquired, reptiles a~d am~hibians Is established and recognized, captive care and propagat1on wl11 be hampered.

Moreover, upon the establishment of registration, t~e increased av~ilabi~ity of reptiles and amphibians through legal channels w111 lessen the 1ncent1ves to illegally capture threatened and endangered species, thereby protecting existing populations. In addition, with increased ~is~emination ?f in: formation, captive breeding will be expanded and eXlstlng populatl0ns 1ncreased by an organized release program. With the guarantee of a self路 policing registration agency, perhaps the Fish and Wildlife Service can turn its attentions to preservation of habitat and the apprehension of the poachers and their wholesaler purchasers!

REGISTRATION PROCEDURES The Registration .Agency A non-profit agency should be established to act as the agency for the registration of reptiles and.amphibians. This organization, which could be named the Americal Herpetological Association, would initially receive funding from other herpetological societies, foundations, private individuals, etc. Later, the organization would be 'self supporting from registration fees and memberships. A Board of Directors, composed of rep路 resentatives froln herpetological societies, would establish the policies and procedures of registration and elect the officers who would be responsible for the day to day registration operation. Additional activities of the American Herpetological Association ('AHA') would include the establishment of sectional memberships and committees ~Ihereby collecto)'s could join a group dedicated to the study and propagation of a specific reptile or amphibian, and compile and exchange information, Each section would report annually. In addition, the section 110uld report proposed changes in federal or state laws to its membership and review and comment on proposed legislation. Further, the section might engage in lobbying or propose legislation to federal or state agencies. Ariother activity could be the establishment of breeding loan programs and the coordination with zoos \~ith respect to the handl i ng of surpl us specimens; AHA coul d be the mechanism to stop the destruction of surplus populations that result from institutional policies and procedures, AHA could also identify habitat areas and lobby fo)' the inclusion of such areas into \'lildlife sanctuaries.

Establishment of Registration Procedures The first step in establishment of registrati.on procedures \'Iould be the commencement of negotiations with the U,S, Fish and Hildlife Service and state agencies. The procedures and benefits of the registration proMHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 7

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11

cess would be explained; concurrent \~ith such negotiations would be a letter-v(riti ng campai gn to congressmen and senators asking thei r ass I stance with state and fedel'al agencies. Once an agreement was reached, deadl ines fur the grandfathering in of each species would be established and disseminated nationally.

In establishing the mechanics of registration, the registration procedures of the American Kennel Club, American Cat Fanciers Association and other similar organizations would be reviewed. AHA procedures would incorporate their best featul'es including the establishment of a 'book' for each classification. A prefix number for each species would be the same as the 'book' number and a,.second number would identify the specific animal.

The information to be provided 110uld include the scientific and common name, sex (if known), approximate age, date acquired, any special characteristics of the specimen (albino, melanistiC, dd-ects, . etc. ) and the name and address of the o\路lf1er. If the app1ic<ltion complied with the AHA regulations, a registration certificate would be provided; however, the only date listed thereon would be the date of registration. For example, an Eas tern i ndi go snake \'Ioul d be regi stered as 201 (VIUJll)(Vtc.hotl eolUlM c.ou)JeJLt Classification number)-103 (individual registration number). The registration certificate would include the pertinent information and the date of re.gistratlon, \1hich would prevent a registratio路n certificate from being used to cover an unregistered animal. Upon the trade, sale, or loan of a registered animal, the certificate would be returned to AHA and a new certificate issued to indicate the nev( ovmer.

A system of 'clutch' registration v(ould be established to cover captive breeding situations. This registration certificate would include the numbers of the parents, date of bi rth, and brecdcl" s name. A number \~oul d be assigned to each offspl'ing and the identification data could be provided at a later date.

PRIORITY OF REGISTRATION While all reptile and amphibian classifications would eventually be registered, priority of registration I路/Ould conrnence \~ith endangered species and a realistic grandfather date v(ould be established for each.

Threatened species would be registered after endangered, and then nearthrea tened speci es. Thereafter, other species woul d be regi s tered on an optional basis because no grandfather dute would be needed. This optional registration would be useful in protecting prospective purchasers and would. be invaluable in captive breeding programs so that bloodlines could be traced for the purpose of line breeding or outcrossing.

******** .

In the 10119 run, 'Snakescam' may well turn out to be a blesstng in disguise. ,It is time that private collectors join together and present their viewpoints; as a silent minority. we have taken the blame for the status of many reptiles or amphibians. Moreover, the U.S. Fish and Hild1ife Service has been able to mislead and harass individuals with impunity.

Permit applications gather dust on officials' desks- and non"refundable application fees deter permit applicants. Further, proposed and current laws and regulations are not readily available. There Is.much to be done in dealing with s ta te and federal agenci es. the medi a, and the pub Ii c.

The establishment of a national registration agency would be the start.

MRS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 7

Page

12

NOAH EcUtOll.' -6 Note: The above PIWPO&o..i'. .v., bUllg pub.e16/ted heAe 1I0t bec.o.Me U 16 bUllg put .tnto e66ect, but. bec.o.Me we Me oe.e./Ullg.tIlPut Jt.egMd.{.lIg.uo M e6ulJteM , vo..UcUty, (lI!d p!C.o C.e.dUMb • P.te.M e. ;\I?lId M YOWl. opbllol1-6 and ouggeotiollO. We. Me. pMtic.u.eaJLe!l ltt-teJle.ote.d .(.11 I>ugge.otiollA wlt.<.c.h .tltvo.e.ve .the po.t;ettU.o.l c.oopMo.UolI wU/t plteexMting OIl.go.nlzo.tioll-6. The Soudy 601t .the. Study 06 AmplUb,wltO o.lId ReptUe.o (SSM) ,6M exampte, a1Jr.eo.dy hM 0. Leg.v.,.e.o.ti.ve. A.eVtJ:.

COlWllLttee; wUIt .the AHA' I> MMltc.lo..i'. o.»d vo.e.un:tee.Jt o.M16to.nC.e., .th.{J., c.oll'lnUtee .c.ou£.d be e.xpMded to .tllctude pelldlng I>.to.i.e. M weil M 6edeJr.al il.egu.e.o.ti.on noU6.(c.o.UOI!-6. FMllk Slo.vellA' IltVe.nwlllj 06 u.ve.

Re. mel> o.Itd Am It.<.blo.M .til N6lt.tit AmeJl.tc.all Coilec.tiollO may .6 e.Jtve M 0. lilt eM 0 e ,(. Mil agJt.eeo.. e e.Jtllo.UOllo..i'. Spe.ueo Inve.ntolUj SY-6.te.m [ISIS) 01L.the. SSP (Spe.ueo SWLV.tvo..i'. Pfun) may a.e.oo c.ollbUbute. to .the. goo..i'. 06 I1.e.g.v.,.te.lLllIg aU Jt.eptUeo and amp!ublo.lIO, M de.ocJ!1be.d .tIt tft.iJ., PMpooo..i'.. 16 you Me 6cunUi.M. wUIt any c.WUtent:·,' IU!.ptUe Oil. amplt.<.b.£o.lt Jt.eg.(./)bto.tion pMglLamO (.6.uc.Jt M .the Gophe.Jt TOM:016e I1.e.g.v.,bto.tion pMgil.CUn), pte.Me tet M know how .tit.(./) -6yo:te.m· WOltM o.ad whe.tJt e.Jt OIL not yo u .thbtk U wo u.e.d be. o.ppUc.o.b.te. to 0 llIt ,OWII .6Ullman.

Next month I'll continue a look back at MHS Newsletter history with an article written by the first editor Jim Gerholdt.

M\NNt501A HtRP10LOGlCAL O(\cTY *

QUICK FACTS

**

D~d,You

know that scientists believe there are between 5 an 30 million species liVing on the Earth and that only 1.6 million species have been identified and given scientific names!

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XlIt NUMBER 7

Page

13

REVIEWS

Review of "Jurassic Park" ~-

Rating ( 1 to 5): ff~ ff~ A.-

>Y~

"'-

A.r

>Y~ )7 ~

"'-

By Randy Blasus

If, as many other Herp lovers, you think that the movie "Jurassic Park" is

made for our elic, then you are correct! Upon viewing this movie you will see creatures extremely well articulated and awesome in presentation.

Almost all you see will be of antiquity with the exception of a snake.

Obviously, to draw in the boid fans.

This movie should provide something for everyone. Those of you who have had problems with parasites and feces sampling should be able to empathize with the heroine. Collectors of the "hot" herps will immediately notice the caging problems of Paleo-herps. While the logistics of managing these Sauroids would perplex even the DNR. The captive breeder will have just reason to drool at the hi-tech genetic manipulations. And the avid varanid lovers will leave the theater in a daze, fingering last nights bandaged scars.

The story itself is mainly one long chase scene, with people the preferred main course. Of bloodshed, however, the goriness is kept to a minimum.

Still these "hot blooded" creatures will remove some spectators out of their seats. Overall, though, the theme shows us that mans mechanization are oft times just a tad off plumb, leaving all of us in wonder of Nature's Power. All in all, a highly recommended film by this reviewer.

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 7

Page

14

CLASSIFIED ADS

III

1.0.0 ' oale, 0.1.0 ' feoale, 0.0.1 ' unknoyn

FOR SALE:

KIse:

1.1 Bioini boas (Epicrates striatus [osterij, Bake offer.

1.0 Co1uobian rainbow boa, $150.

Call Greg at 611-533-7713.

Captive bred snakes at affordable prices. Delivery at MHS oeetings available. Send staop for 1993 price list. Plains Reptile, P.O. Box 5818, Fargo, ND 58105. (701) 241-97.2.

BOA SURVEY: Please .rite for oy questionaire on Boa constrictor reprouction. Even if your anioals have not reproduced, please respond if they are least 4 yrs old and have had the opportunity.

In return for a completed survey you yill receive a chart shoying the subspecies, their scale counts and range. Yilliam Joy, P.O. Box 811433, Dallas, IX 75382-1433.

1.15 Brazilian rainbow boas (Epicrates cenchria cenchria) C.B. '93 - 1115. 6.7 Columbian rainbow boas (Epicrates cenchria aaurus) C.B. '93 - 195. 1.1 D'Albert's pythons (Liasis albertisi) C.B. '92 - $.00.00 pr.

Can deliver to the Iwin Cities.

Contact Mark or Kathy Yendling at (319) 857-.787.

fAUNA CLASSIfIEDS: Monthly classified publication for reptiles, aophibians, food items I supplies, literature and oore.

Excellent inforoation source, worldwide circulation.

Subscription $14.00 year. Free saople &info. Yrite: FAUNA, 1379 Maggio Circle Unit C, Lodi, CA 95140.

Veiled chaoeleons, $100. Boas, 175. Ball pythons, $40. Green Iguanas, 115. Nilel, ISO. Tokay Geckos, lIS. Cages, heat tape I misc accessories. Contact Hans at (715) 415-8888.

1993 HERPETOLOGICAL DIRECTORY: A valuable inforoation source containing private &coooercial breeders, foreign exporters, U.S. &foreign herp societies, wholesalers, sources for rodents & other food items, supplies & equipment, and publications. Send $15.00 to FAUNA, 1379 Maggio Circle Unit C, Lodi, CA 95240.

Solooon Island boas, Candoia carinata paulsoni, yearlings to 3 year juveniles. All captive bred and feeding leI 1 on dead oice.

Unrelated pairs available. Prices start at $75.00 Call Steph Porter (611) 690-2589.

10 gallon long cooplete aquariuo set up, .ith po.erhead, gravel, rocks, flor. light, rod iron stand, and fish if you want there 1100. Call Rob at 690-9030.

~

John & Ruth Meltzer Box 3695, Minneapolis, MN 55403 ( 612 ) 263 - 7880 MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 7

Page

15

MHS Classified Ads

All proceeds from the sales of MHS merchandise and donated items goes towards the operating costs of the society such as; speaker fees, books for the library, herp related charitable donations, newsletter printing, etc. MHS is a non profit organization and is volunteer run.

Rat and Mice Sales MICE Pinkies - $6.00 doz.

Fuzzies - $6.00 doz.

Adults - $9.00 doz.

RATS Pups - $10.00 doz.

Adults - $12.00 for six $24.00 doz.

Orders taken by Terry Scheiber only!

Must be made at least one week before the general meeting where they will be delivered.

Phone:

(612) 440-7482

*****

Mice and rats must be purchased by the dozen except for adult rats which can be purchase in allotments of six. Rat pinkies unavailable.

*****

Cage Sales Cages come pre-built but unfinished with the following; laminate interior, hinged mitered door, glass window, latch, incandescent light fixture and cord. A 7.5 watt bulb will be included. Some cages are available for immediate purchase at the meetings.

***

MHS does not take responsibility for any injuries to animal if purchaser uses a higher wattage bulb or other hardware.

Specifications

***

I x w x h

small: large:

24 x 18 x 12 48 x 18 x 18

$ 50 $ 75

MHS also offers an assortment of other herp related items for sale at the general meeting. These include: Books MHS stickers T-shirts MHS buttons Posters Assorted Donated items Note cards Look for sales of MHS merchandise and items at the far right hand side of the meeting room. Items will be for sale during the break and before and after the meeting if time permits. Please have sales final before the meeting begins so as not to disrupt the meeting proceedings.

The new MHS T-SHIRTS are now in!! And they look great. They have a multi colored dart frog on the front of a white shirt and our logo on the sleeve. The shirt is 100% preshrunk cotton. Sizes are in kids and adults. Price is $12.00.

Hurry, they're going fast!

MRS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 7

Page

16

CLASSIFIED AD INSTRUCTIONS: Ads are run as a free service to paid members. Ads for venomous species, illegal species, or sick animals will not be run. MHS takes NO responsibility for legality or health of animal advertised here. Ads may be run for three consecutive months at which time ads may be re-submitted. The editor reserves the right to omit ads when space is limited so as to allow all members a chance to advertise. Size of ad is limited to four (4) typed lines or one (I) standard size business card. DEADLINE for all newsletter items is the date of the general meeting.

NON MEMBER & EXPANDED SIZE ADS: Line ads:$.l0 per word.

Business Cards: $5.00 per month.

Three or more months One month only $7.50 per month Quarter page ads: $10.00 per month $15.00 per month Half page ads: $20.00 per month Full page ads: $40.00 per month $25.00 per month

Six or more months $5.00 per month $10.00 per month $15.00 per month

Send all newsletter items to: Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter Editor, 234 West George Street, St. Paul, MN 55107.

MEMBERSHIP AND T-SHIRT ORDER FORM MINNESOT A HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY NAME(S) _____________________________________________________________ ADDRESS~____________________________~----------------------------------------

CITY ____________________________ PHONE ____________________________

STATE ________

ZIP CODE

LIST IN MHS DIRECTORY?

NO _ _

YES

HERP RELATED INTERESTS: ______________________________________________________

TYPE OF MEMBERSfITP? MEMBERSHIP LEVEL?

NEW ____ RENEWAL ____ ____SUSTAINING ..... $60.00

~NSTITUTION .... $25.00

____CONTRIB UTING ..... $30.00

____DBASIC. ...$15.00

Arc you currently ( or will be) a University of Minnesota student? _ _ (check if yes) HOW DID YOU HEAR OF MHS? ___________________________________________________

OFFICIAL MHS T-SHIRT ($7.00 includes postage)

NEW POISON DART FROG T-SHIRT ($14.00 postage included) Indicate how many of each size

Indicate how many of each size

KIDS

ADULTS:

SMALL MEDIUM_ X-LARGE_

SMALL___ KIDS

ADULTS:

LARGE ___

MEDIUM___ X-LARGE_

Please enclose payment. MAKE CHECKS PAY ABLE TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society. Membership is for 12 months from date of joining. A receipt will be sent only on request. Allow 6-8 weeks for processing. MAIL TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society, Bell Museum Of Natural History, 10 Church Street South East, Minneapolis. MN 55455-0104 <A

Non-Profit Bulk Rate U. S. Postage

MINNESOTA

PAID Mpls. MN Permit No. 2275

HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREET S. E. MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

+

+

+

+ DELIVER BY JULY 28,1993