Vol. 14 (1994), No. 4

NEWSLETTER OF THE

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

APRIL 1994 I

VOLUME XIV

BELL MUSEUM OF NATIJRAL lliSTORY <4,

10 CHURCH STREET SOUTH EAST

NUMBER 4 MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

Do you ever have a question about one 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 Lizards Nancy Haig Bill Moss

789-4637 488-1383

Crocodilians Jeff Lang

(701) 772-0227

Terrestrial turtles and tortoises John Moriarty 647-1334 AnnPorwoll 489-7853

Other Snakes John Meltzer John Levell Connie Levell

263-7880 374-5422 374-5422

Amphibians John Meltzer Greg Kvanbek Jeff LeClere

263-7880 533-7723 488-6388

Aquatic Turtles Michele Stillinger Dennis Daly

224-7212 331-8606 .

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

Bill Moss John Levell Ruth Meltzer Randy Blasus Marilyn Brooks Michele Stillinger Gary Ash Donna Calander Jeff LeClere Barb Radanke Glen Jacobsen

(612) 488-1383 (612) 374-5422 (612) 263-7880 (612) 925-4237 (612) 925-4237 (612) 224-7212 (612) 753-0218 (612) 757-8268 (612) 488-6388 (612) 291-1132 (612) 757-8268

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 inc1tision in thc newsletters of other herpetological societies provided that the material is reproduced without change and proper credits are given to the MRS Newsletter, citing, volume, number, and date.

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MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOC~IETY 3 4 5 6 7

MHS Upcoming Meeting Highlights MHS Business MHS Meeting Review MHS Hands-on Rules Special Letter of Thanks to the Society HFYI Articles of Interest Classified Ads

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15

Of special note this month are: the letter of thanks from past secretary Dan Bergquist (page 7), MRS hands-on rules (page 6) if you are doing a hands-on please read these, general meeting etiquette (page 2) we had a slight proolem at the last meeting, please read through this! Also of special note is the article about last months speaker Madeleine Linck from the Star & Tribune in our Articles of Interest section. **PLEASE REMEMBER: I need the complete date, issue, volume, number, title of every article or clipping you send in. Thanks.

Membership Secretary Ruth Meltzer had to resign. the new Membership Secretary is George Richard (612) 623-7620. Please contact him if you received a faulty newsletter last month.

The weather is warm! Spring is here! Let's see those animals for critter of the month in May. Any herp is fine (see guidelines page 2).

NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE:

MAY 1st, 1994

Send all articles, ads, & inquiries pertaining to the newsletter directly to the newsletter editor at: MHS Editor 234 West George Street St. Paul, MN 55107

MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 4

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MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 4

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WELCOME!

Welcome to the Minnesota Herpetological Societyl Meetings are presented on various topics, directly and indirectly, affecting reptiles and amphibians.

Membership rates begin at $15.00; if you wish to join, please visit the Membership Secretary during the General Meeting held on the first friday of every month (except holiday weekends-see list below) at Borlaug Hall Room 335 on the University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus. Meeting begins at 7:00 sharp. You can also join by filling out the card on the back inside cover of this newsletter.

MEETING DATES FOR 1994 May 6, 1994 June 3, 1994 July 8, 1994

August 5, 1994 September 9, 1994 October 7, 1994

November 7, 1994 December 2, 1994 December 3, 1994 (Holiday Party)

MHS PURPOSE & BOARD OF DIRECTORS are listed on the inside front cover of this newsletter as well as the phone' numbers of members who can ask specific animal related questions you may have.

GENERAL MEETING AGENDA: Meeting begins at 7:00 sharp. If you are late, you can enter through the back door of the lecture room, around the corner to the right. The meeting consists of a brief address by the president on pertinent business followed by the introduction of the speaker or presentation, given by our Vice President. After the speaker there is a short break when you can purchase raffle tickets for an assortment of herp related prizes, buy books, tshirts, check out library books in our well stocked herp library and talk to a friend or meet someone new. Following the break we have our "critter of the month", sort of a show-n-tell of your favorite herps, and the raffle drawing.

Meeting ends BY 10:00 when we must leave the room, although it could end earlier allowing for more socializing. After the meeting, you may find many of our members at the local restaurants, still talking about herpsl HELPFUL HINT, board members and information people will try to answer your questions, just look for signs or members with yellow colored name tags.

MEETING ETIQUETTE: We request that talking be kept to a minimum during the presentation or when board members are speaking. This is a general courtesy to the speaker as well as the other members present. If you need to leave after the meeting has begun, please enter and exit through the back doors. For the safety of all members and animals, please do not allow children to run up and down the stairs in the lecture room or in the halls. Because the University lets us use this lecture room at no charge, all children must be with parents when in the building, once again, please don't let children run around in the halls.

Treats are donated by a member(s) for all, please take one to allow everyone to enjoyl Sales other than MHS merchandise, are NOT allowed in the meeting room, transactions may be performed in the hall. Animals brought for critter of the month must stay in their cages, bags, etc., before and after critter of the month.

This is for the safety of the animal, too many fingers in the pot... No venomous animals are allowed without permission from the Vice President.

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MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 4

May Program:

The Herpetofauna of Trinidad and Tobago Speaker: John Murphy

The May meeting of the Minnesota Herpetological society will feature a program on the herpetofauna of the twin island nation known as Trinidad and Tobago. Located in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago has a moist, tropical climate with an average annual temperature of 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit and the islands receive approximately 80 inches of rain per year. Rain forest, scenic beaches, and low mountains combine to create a tropical paradise reminiscent of the story of Robinson Crusoe, an adventure which is reputed to have occurred on Tobago.

Trinidad and Tobago is also a herpetological paradise, with historical records of approximately 128 different taxa of amphibians and reptiles. The herpetofauna of Trinidad and Tobago is composed largely of species native to the South American mainland, although there are several endemic species as well.

Species of interest occurring on the islands include; Anacondas, Common Boas, Rainbow Boas, Tree Boas, Bushmasters, Fer-de-lance, Green Iguanas, Tegus, Caimans, and Red-foot Tortoises. Numerous species of Geckos and Hylid frogs also occur throughout Trinidad and Tobago, and Leatherback Sea Turtles frequently nest in the area.

Our guest speaker,John Murphy, is a research associate in the Department of Herpetology of Chicago's Field Museum of Plainfield, ILlinois. He has also been instrumental in the development of the chicago Herpetological society and has served as editor of the CHS bulletin for well over 10 years.

John has spent extended periods of time over the past several years in Trinidad and Tobago and is probably the foremost authority on the amphibians and reptiles of the islands. He has recently completed a book on the herpetofauna of Trinidad and Tobago which is due to be published in the near future.

In addition to being an accomplished writer, John is an excellent photographer and his photographs have appeared in numerous publications including the Venomous Reptiles of Latin America by Campbell and Lamar.

John plans on presenting slides of approximately 75 percent of the species of amphibians and reptiles native to the islands, and he has promised to enlighten us on the "infamous luminous lizard" of Trinidad and Tobago as well. This is a program I'm really looking forward to, especially after all our wonderful and seemingly never ending winter weather!

See you there.

JPL UPCOMING MEETINGS

June: July:

Paul Buttenhoff, Fer-de-lance Project in Mexico Attlnual IHS Wrap-up Meeting

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MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 4

MHS

4

B"U.si:n.~ss

March Board Meeting Highlights

by Randy Blasus, Recording Secretary The Monthly meeting of the MHS Board of Directors was conducted April 9, 1994 at President Bill Moss' house.

A quorum of directors was present. The board took the following actions: Becky Schriber will be working on sewing material for our hands-on board once we get her the dimensions.

The Library will be getting volume 1 & 2 or Herpetological Natural History published by the IHS. Madeleine Linck donated her speaker fee back for use in a turtle conservation program.

It was decided to use the fee to start a Madeleine Linck North American Turtle and Tortoise Conservation Fund. Added to this will be a % of the raffle sales for 6 months plus any dOnation.

Dav Lydon was appointed to the Education Chair position.

An order was placed for the MHS brochures. We are renewing our insurance policy for this year.

Presented and accepted were: Treasurer's report, Membership Report and Board Meeting Minutes.

General Meeting Highlights RAFFLE DONORS Brandon Delles, Karin Rea, Virginia Larson and Michele Stillinger.

RAFFLE WINNERS Too numerous to list!

Thank you all for purchasing tickets!

Items included: tanks, lights, books, magazines, videos and silly soapl CRITTER OF THE MONTH John Levell - Chrysemys picta marginata belli Donna Calander - Pancake tortoise Jake Jacobsen - N.A. wood turtle Randy Blasus - Western painted turtle Jodi Aherns - Sanded gecko

SPECIAL ROTES OF THANKS Thank you to the following companies for their generous donations to February's White Snake Sale!

MARnELL LABORATORIES INC, -1958 Brandon Court Glendale Heights, IL 60139 REPTILE &AMPHIBIAN MAGAZINE Rt. 61 Hiway Pottsville, PA 17901 ZOO MED LABORATORIES INC, 3090 McMillan Road San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 REPTILE NEWS PRESS 17603 E, Tennessee Drive Aurora, CO 80017 SNAKE CONNECTION 18137 Long Lake Dr, Hudson, FL 34667 REP-CAL RESEARCH LABS P.O. Box 727 Los Gatos, CA 95031 TROPICAL CONCEPTS 4056 Central Ave, NE Columbia Heights, MN HEARTLAND PETS 1960 Cliff Road Eagan, MN CUSTOM CAGES 14 Dry Run Road River Falls, WI 54022

MRS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 4

MHS

Ge~era1

5

Meeti~g

Re~ie~

by Randy Blasus This past month the speaker, Madeleine Linck, discussed her work with Blandings turtles in Massachusetts and Minnesota.

Madeleine began her work on Blandings turtles while involved in a graduate study course. The location of the study was Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Concord, Massachusetts. The work in which she was involved included nest ecology, specifically nesting behavior. Another student had an adjoining project of determining the average clutch size of the turtle population.

During this study, animals were collected via trapping then x-rayed to determine the number of eggs in each female. Three specimens were then outfitted with portable radio transmitters to track their movements and to find the nesting areas.

Through this research it was found that the turtles used the only available high ground. In this case it happened to be a sewage treatment plant. It was also noted路 that a good portion of time, before actual egg laying, was spent in shallow temporary wetlands. These vernal pools provided a warmer environment for the female turtles as well as a good food source of amphibians, tadpoles and the like.

This study also showed that the average female carried 10 to 14 eggs with her to the nest. The project coordinator suggested digging a few nests and incubating the eggs.

The animals were successfully hatched and displayed an enormous appetite. All were released except two; they were raised over the winter to see how much size could be added to increase their survival rate. One problem .with removing the hatchlings from the nest is that no one knows what effect this has on their ability to imprint on the site.

The information gathered was instrumental in the updating of the old sewage treatment plant. The researchers pointed out that room needed to be left for nesting grounds and the turtles needed unrestricted movement to those areas. By working with the community and the landscape architect the viability of the population was assisted by altering the plant layout to include the turtles' needs.

Since coming to Minnesota, Madeleine has been involved with Hennepin Parks in similar studies of habitat, population and range of Blandings turtles. She has also been involved with some Nature Conservancy projects. One ongoing project for the Conservancy involves organizing volunteers for a hatchling walk. This walk has volunteers who assist the neonates in their trek across the road, ensuring some the ability to reach water unsquished.

Discussed also was the effect of loss of habitat and the need to realize an animals full life cycle to protect population viability. Habitat mitigation is only fully applicable when nesting sites and wetland habitats are preserved. When a population no longer has the ability to nest, it becomes yet another relic population that will eventually disappear. Even if land is set aside, the animals may bypass the preserved location and search for their traditional areas. Roads are yet another concern by increasing the mortality rate of both young and old turtles. Lastly, she mentioned that our manipulation of environment by increasing. edge habitat has allowed predation to increase to very high levels in some areas.

All in all the presentation was informative and raised important issues that affect our native Blandings turtles and educated us on the conservation efforts being used to further their existence. ~\

MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 4

1) FIRST AND FOREMOST! NEVER, EVER, EVER, let the public get near or touch the head of ANY animal! Always maintain complete control over the head and watch for reaching hands. The public will not take no for an answer!

2) Always maintain complete control over your animal. NEVER let the public pick up or hold any animal, even if they say, " I've got one at home." ANYONE can get bit at any time. Don't risk it.

3) Bring animals that are controllable and semi docile, ones that the public can touch without it lashing out or striking.

4)

Do NOT bring any potentially dangerous or poisonous animals.

5) Bring several animals if possible and rotate them to minimize stress on the animal. Hands-on programs are generally 4 hours long.

6) Always transport your animals in a tightly closed covered cage, bag, or container. Never take your animals out to display when not in the hands-on area.

7) Try to learn as much as you can about your animals. You'll be asked tons of questions, but most people only listen to brief answers! You'll learn to "wing it" after a while.

8) If your asked, .. Does it bite?" Always say YES! Then you can explain that any animal can bite. This will sometimes stop the hands that are reaching towards its head. Its amazing how people will reach first, ask questions later!

9) If you have questions, ASK. There are usually plenty of people at the hands on that can answer any questions you have.

10) Lastly, please follow the rules. These are made to insure the safety of your animal, yourself, the public, and our reputation!

AND OF COURSE, HAVE 'FUN!!!

Remember, we are out to educate the public about how great and important herps really are!

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MRS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 4

Letter

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<>f

Tha.:n.ks

To MRS Members, This is a letter of gratitude to all those who donated money to help me out while I was recovering from open-heart surgery. For those who don't know, I got Endocarditis last December. It is a staph infection of the heart. My mitral valve had a large lump of infection on it and it was not responding to antibiotic therapy.

If I was a herp, I probably would have been quarantined and eventually ended up in the freezer! Thanks to modern "human" medicine, they were able to do surgery on December 28th and replace my mitral valve with an artificial one.

Due to my week in intensive care before surgery and about five weeks of recovery, I wag. out of work for about 6-7 weeks. Thanks to the efforts of Jodi Aherns and Jeff LeClere, my animals were all taken care of. When I got home from the hospital, my friends had a fund-raising party to help pay my bills. Due to the generosity of too many people to mention, nearly $400 was raised.

I can not tell you how much I appreciated all the support and financial help I received. I want to specially thank Michele Stillinger and Donna Calander for taking on my secretary duties.

I also want to thank Bill Moss and Nancy Rakomaki for the extremely "exotic" Christmas tree they gave me while I was in the hospital. I hope to see you all at a herp meeting soon!

Sincerely, Dan Bergquist (MRS Secretary, 1993)

MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 4

HFY I

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(Herpetology For Your Information)

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•.••••••••...... .•l11lS. iI8.~ds-oa •••·••••.. ...... •..• • -

*18th International Herp Symposium in New

June 16th - June ·19th, 1994

Keynote Speaker Dr. Harold Cogger, Deputy Director, Australian National Museum •

*Mid Atlantic Reptile Show 94, Maryland State Fairgrounds. Contact Tim Hoen, Maryland Herp Soc., 2643 N. Charles St. Baltimore, lID 21218. 410-557-6879.

, September 17th 18th, 1994.

, Proceeds go to purchase rainforest thru Ecosystem Survival Plan.

, Be Kind to Animals Week , Walk For Animals-pledge drive, contact the humane society of Henn. Cty. , Career Fair in the shelter Auditorium of the Animal Humane Society of Henn. Cty. Contact 522-6009 for info.

, May I-7th, 1994 • May 7th, 1994

Orleans, Louisiana. For registration write Richard Ross lID, President IHS, P.O. Box 2227, Stanford, CA 94309. .

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·. . ·.· . . · · . ·j~M$.·.··.·········· ................

, April 27th, 1994

The 1992 and 1993 Tapes By Topics list from the IHS is out. The list is too large to print here. Topics are numerous, tape prices are $24.95 for standard VHS, or $225 to $250 (depending on year) for the whole set. Order sheet will be brought to the next meeting so orders can be combined to save money on shipping charges.

MHS Picnic will be held on August 6th, 1994 at Battle Creek Regional Park in St. Paul. Details forthcoming.

MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 4

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Book Review

by Donald Riemer

Amphibians and Reptiles of Connecticut and Aqjacenl Regions

By Michael W. Klemens. 1993. State Geological and Natural History Survey of Connecticut Bulletin No. 112.

Hardcover. 318 pp. plus 32 color plates and 2 aUxiliary maps. ISBN No. 0-942081-04-8.

Most regional faunas. are written primarily from the literature. The author reviews publications路 of aU kinds, including a large number of papers published over many years in scientific journals, then adds a relatively small amount of new information from his or her own experience, puts it all together in a (hopefully) organized and useful format, and voila!-a. new regional fauna. This book by Dr. Michael- Klemens is quite different. It consists mainly of his own observations and data obtained during 17 years of field work and data analysis. His findings are supplemented, to be sure, by a thorough revi~w of existing literature, but the heart and soul of the book consists of his original work.

I am in no way trying to denigrate the other type of publication-the type resulting primarily from literature reviews. They serve a very real purpose. They bring together a great deal of information from widely scattered and often unavailable sources and put it under one cover where it can be used by people who do not have the time or inclination for an exhaustive literature review of their own.

Dr. Klemens' current contribution is a combination of the best of both types of publication. It presents an enormous quantity of new, original work, supplemented by, and integrated with, a thorough review of existing knowledge on the subject. The "Adjacent Regions" referred to in the title of the book refer almost exclusively to those counties of New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island which border on Connecticut. There are occasional references in the text to other counties and even other states, but these are not included in the geographic area which covered in detail. If i had to make one suggestion for imp'roving this book, it would be to drop the words "and Adjacent Regions" from the tttle.

The book contains accounts of all 22 species of amphibians and all 28 species of reptiles known to occur in Connecticut. Each species account is organized into five sections and seven sub-sections as follows:

is

Identification Distribution a. General b. Regional Ute History and Ecology a. Habitat b. Activity c. Reproduction d. Size e. Food Habits and Predation Conservation Status Specimens Examined

These species accounts constitute the major portion of the book. Some species are covered in more detail than others, but all accounts are thorough, interesting, and informative. A detailed map of Connecticut, showing the species' distribution in the state, is included in each ac路 count.

There are 32 color plates in the center of the book.

Each plate contains one to eight high quality color illustra路 tions. All species covered in the text are illustrated at least once, and some are illustrated several times, including mature and immature stages, various color morphs, and both sexes. There are 'also a number of good photographs of the habitat in which various species have been found. ! found these habitat photographs to be quite helpful in visualizing what I read in the text.

The last two color plates are maps of Connecticut. The first is a topographic relief map of the state with contour intervals of 500 feet. The second is a map showing the detailed locations of two prominent and ecologically important physiographic features of the state: the Marble Valleys and the Trap Rock (Basalt) Ridges. A unique and fascinating feature of this book consists of loose copies of the maps described above, printed in color on translucent material and stored in a pocket inside the back cover. These maps are drawn to the same scale as.$!' the distr.ibution maps accompanying each individual species account.

The transparencies can be overlaid on the species distribution maps to ascertain whether a correlation exists between any given species' distribution and elevation, the marble valleys, and/or the trap rock ridges. In some cases the correlation is almost 100% and seeing it graphically is far more impressive than just reading about it in the text.

I would recommend this book heartily to anyone inter路 ested in the natura! history of the southern New England area. It is particularly useful in pinpointing the regional distribution of the individual species and in describing their habitats, but it also contains excellent accounts of their behavior, reproduction, and ecological requirements.

Don Riemer, a frequent contributor to tfYTTS publications, is a professor at Rutgers University where he leaches a course entitled "Turtles, Tortoises, and TefTapins."

MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 4

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CHECK OUT NEWSLETIERS FROM OTHER SOCIETIES Next time you visit to the MHS library, you may notice a plastic blue box in which are hanging file folders. This is our collection of some four dozen newletters that we exchange with other herp societies. To economize on storage space, these are housed in a portable file, but you are still welcome to brouse through them. The subscription periodicals, such as Vivarium, continue to remain on the shelves in three-ring binders, which can be checked out the same way as a book by signing a pocketed library card.

There is a clipboard with a sign-up sheet for checking out newsletters.

You can list a single issue or a whole set year-to-date. The librarian will put these in a protective envelope which you will return with the . newsletters at the following meeting. The dollar late fee applies. A set of issues from -the previoLis year is available for loan on request by calling before the meeting at 457-8107, ask for Karin Rea. These old issues are sold at the annual auction, the While Snake Sale. Therefore, the fine for losing any newletters is $3.00.

Should you read an article that you think is particularly valuable, please consider writing up a brief summary and submit it to the editor to share with the other members.

BULLSNAKES WANTED Hennepin Parks is looking for a few good Bullsnakes for its ongoing restoration program. Hennepin Parks began a restoration project at Crow-Hassan Park Reserve in 1991 to re-establish a Bullsnake population in a large restored prairie. To date 39 Bullsnakes (24 juveniles) have been released. A number of snakes.from the original release were still seen two years after being released.

The initial releases appear to be successful, but more adults are needed to guarantee a successful establ i shment. Thi sis why Hennepin Parks is 1ooki ng Bullsnakes from Anoka, Hennepin, Sherburne, and Wright Counties. Snakes of all sizes or either sex are wanted, but adult females are preferred.

Persons who would like to donate snakes they find should contact John Moriarty or Madeleine Linck at 476-4663.

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MRS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 4

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Star Trlbune/Thursday/February 17/1994

Drying the venom produces a hallucinogenic drug. bufotenine, that can be smoked, and users and researchers say it produces a high that eclipses the psychedelic properties of LSD. "What is the human race going to do next? Grind up clarinets and smoke them?" asked Calaveras County narcotics agent Greg Elam.

After the arrest of a couple on charges of possessing bufotenine from four toads, state and local narcotics agents worried that then.. was a cult of toad abusers in the region. ffhey've determined that's not the case.

One 01 the four toads confiscated in a drug arrest in California.

Calaveras' frogs make way for toad hallucinogens Associated Press Angels Camp, Calif. :rhe war on drugs has moved into Mark Twain's frog-jumping territory, and it's not pretty.

These drug suppliers are green, squat and lumpy, with big bulging eyes.

That's not a description of some comic-strip villain. These are toads

- RuJo alvarius.

And forget that old myth that handling toads causes warts. These critters secrete a venom from glands on their backs.

But literature confiscated from the couple's house indicates there is an underground of enthusiasts for th~ drug, agents said.

"Ifs a bizarre case," said Matt Campoy, commander of the drug task force in Calaveras County, 110 miles east of San Francisco.

Scientificjoumals trace use of the drug to ancient times. In the 1950s, the Pentagon and Central Intelligence Agency supported research on bufotenine as part of efforts to develop brainwashing agents, the August 1990 Scientific American says.

Laws against its use in the United, States date to the late 1960s. But the task force was unable to find records that anyone else had been arrested for possessing it.

Unrelated laws bar possession of the toads themselves, because their numbers are dwindling.

Ironically, the arrests came in a region known not for toads but for frogs. A short story by Twain, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," inspired the Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee, which marked its 65th year in 1993 and draws participants from throughout the nation.

Bob and Connie Shepard are scheduled for arraignment next month on charges of possessing the drug.

Shepard, 41, a former teacher and Explorer Scout leader, and his wife, 37, said they did not wish to talk to a reporter.

Shepard, a former volunteer with the Calaveras County sheriffs searchand-rescue squad, told agents that he captured the four toads in southern Arizona.

Authorities moved in when they heard Shepard had taken the toads to a school district learning center, where he was an instructor. Agents feared children might be affected.

Some criticize authoritie~ for pursuing the case.

"Here we've got murderers in the streets and we've got police going after people catching toads," said Dale Gieringer of the California Drug Policy Reform Coalition.

MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 4

12

t::dt(f4~'h4dt Z~~W'fedt( ~f4"(~' f Sanitary Guidelines For Keeping Reptiles.

Tips On Avoiding Salmonella.

Congratulations on the purchase of your new reptilel We -know it will bring you and your family a lot of enioyment. California Zoological Supply would like to bring to your attention a fact about reptiles. You may have read articles recently in your newspapers or seen on the lV news that there is an increase in reports concerning salmonellosis in reptiles (in particular green iguanas). If infected, reptiles have the potential of transmitting the salmonella bacteria to your other pets, or you. We would like fa help in any way we can to reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting this disease. We have prepared this care sheet specifically for thai purpose. At the same time reassuring you, although a potential p~oblem, reducing your risk of cohtrading salmonella may be a simple one.

What is salmonella? Salmonella is a baderium transmitted from one anima! to the other orally. Contamination starts through transmission of the bade ria via the fecal matter and if left untreated can have dire consequences. Symptoms in your reptiles may include loss of 'appetite, lethargy or diarrhea. If you susped your reptile has salmonella, you should coiled S days of stool (feces) samples for analysis at your local veterinarian. The veterinarian should be able to provide you with accurate results. If your vet attempts to diagnose salmonella by swabbing the vent area for analysis, you may get a negative result when your reptile does in fad have salmonella. Therefore, swabbing is not an effedive procedure for diagnosing salmonella.

The number one precaution you can take is to keep your cages dean. This includes the water (and water bowQ, substrate (bedding), cage furniture, and of course, the cage itself. DO NOT dean cages or cage paraphernalia in areas where food is stored or prepared I Here is an overview covering the proper way to clean your cages: •

First, remove the animals and put them in a secure container with a well~ventilated lid. You may also take this opportunity to soak your pet. For snakes: Put in just enough fresh water to slightly cover the body height. This will allow the snake to rest its head on its coils. For lizards and turtles: Add enough fresh water to leave 1/2" to 1" of the body dry. This procedure will help prevent accidental drowning. The water temperature should be tepid (7S"f .- 80"~. If you can deted any heat to the touch, the water t.e;mperature is too hot. Next, throwaway the substrate. If you are using a "permanent" substrate such as cage carpet, artificial turi, etc., soak it alo'ng with the wafer bowl and all cage furniture in a separate container with a solution consisting of 1 part chlorine bleach to 30 part's water. Make sure all items get covered with the solution completely. Keep everything soaking for at least 10 minutes. The effediveness of the bleach's ability in killing germs is optimal only after 10 minufes, After the soaking, rinse off all items with fresh water and let them air.dry, preferably in the sunlight. Natura~ UV rays help kill germs as well. Now rinse the cage with'the same strength solution of water & bleach. Again, let the solution remain for at least 10 minutes and follow with a fresh water rinse. Dry the cage, set it up and return the animals. It's a good idea to keep more than one piece of carpet cut to fit each cage. Having a spare piece of substrate prepared, clean and dry is a great time saving measure. Cleaning the cage in this manner should be a habitual pradice regardless.

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NOTE: Iguanas and water turtles seem to be the most common carriers of salmonella. However, we recommend these procedures be followed for any reptile you may keep.

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Never let your mouth come in contad with your reptile. The transmission of salmonella occurs orally. For example, some people like to give their reptile the occasional affedionate kiss. This is a practice we do not recommend.

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Always wash your hands after coming in contad with any animal. Make sure you use a quality disinfedant soap. Iodine based soaps or soaps that state on the label they kill the salmonella baderia are the cleansers of choice. You can purchase these at most pharmacies and many specialty pet stores. We recommend Betadyne® or Prepodyne®.

•

A healthy human adult may contrad, carry and rejed salmonella without even knowing it. However, if you are under the care of a physician, particularly if you are taking medication or your children are under the age of 1 year, they should avoid handling reptiles. If your immune system is weakened, you may not be able to resist the salmonella baderia quite so easily. It just may be the opportunity the salmonella needs to get a foot-hold.

Thank you for taking the time to read our guidelines on salmonella. Following these guidelines can only increase the enjoyment you have with your new pet. Reptile popularity is growing significantly, and we believe the responsible kee"ping of reptiles will help ease the fears some may have towards these fascinating animals. With proper care reptiles will give you and your family years of enjoyment and education.

Following these guidelines will greatly decrease your risk in contrading the salmonella baderia. California Zoological Supply assumes no responsibility in cases of sickness or death in animal(s) and/or person(s) as a result of any procedures or processes mentioned in this care sheet.

The preceding guidelines are not a guarantee that you will not contract the salmonella bacteria. It was prepared to be used as guideline only.

Should you require further preventative measures regarding the salmonella bacteria we recommend you contad your family physicion or your County Dept. Of Public Health (Veterinary Dept.). This care sheet is a guideline only. No guarantee is expressed or implied.

Pet stores: Please post these guidelines in all reptile departments.

MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 4

13

Why do volunteers cross the road? To save a frog's hide

Mini-migration in Medina flattens many amphibians

By Steve Brandt Staff Writer Before Madeleine LInck and her gang of volunteers came along, there were two kinds ofieopard frogs on County Rd. 19 in Medina: the quick and the dead. . But with popUlations of this common frog believed to be declining in the Upper Midwest. Hennepin Parks is making a modest attempt to improve the odds.

That's why Linck, a part-time wildlife assistant. and her crew are spending their days dashing up and down a couple of hundred yards of the highway. waving nets and leaving

motorists puzzled. Things are, well, hopping.

The stretch of road is pinched between Lake Independence on the west and wetlands on the east. When the temperature edges into the mid-50s along the shore. that's the green light for the frogs to crawl from the lake, where they winter. and head for shallow breeding ponds. But once they hit the highway, where about 4,200 cars a day zip by at 45 miles per hour, it can be road kill derby.

Hennepin Parks workers have noticed the carnage for years because the stretch of road is within Baker Park Reserve. But they were

Frogs continued on page SA

1

., 14

MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 4

Frogs/ When to emerge depends on temperature Continued from page 1A

It's a frog's life One of the most wide-ranging frogs in North America, the leopard frog is greenbrown and has large. distinctive round spots and light-colored ridges on its back. A social frog, it tends to congregate in large numbers. While it winters in lakes and streams, it migrates in spring to shalloW breeding ponds, where it deposits egg masses that hatch into tadpoles, whicr grow to be young frogs by midsummer.

inspired last fall when a Massachusetts Audubon Society naturalist described frog and toad preservation efforts in the Northeast and abroad. Linck got the job of monitoring the migration and organizing several dozen volunteers to help.

It's not as easy as it sounds. Leopard frog movements depend on the microclimates ofthejr habitat. Frogs move into warmer water near shore once the lakes open up a little. But

according to one study ofthe frog's life cycle, they don't leave the shore until the air temperature is warmer than the water or reaches about 55 degrees. Of course, that uncertainty doesn't make it easy to line up volunteers.

And even when volunteers and frogs are in the same place, the job isn't easy.

The job of the volunteers is to net frogs at the lakeside shoulder and carry them across in buckets. But leopard frogs are sneaky. "That's what drives you nuts;" said volunteer Carol McElroy of Plymouth, who patrolled Sunday with her daughter Candace, 13. "They're elusive, and they're 50 well camouflaged." She was watching one frog so intently that she was surprised to find another on the shoulder behind her.

Even when the frogs are in the open, spotting them is one thing and netting them is another. "They are pretty amazing leapers," said Linck.

The frogs can cover a yard with each i<!ap, employing a zigzag pattern to

"It could be ultraviolet radiation. It could be pollution. It's a very complicated problem that people are just starting to look at." .

Linck stopped to explain to a curious couple in a sports car what the frogcatchers were doing, then abruptly broke off in midsentence.

"Hey, there goes a frog!" she yeUed, tearing down the shoulder with net fluttering.

Moriarty helped to launch a statewide effort last year to track the frog population. It wil.l.take four to five years before there's much to interpret.

Leopard frogs are not rare or even threatened in Minnesota. They're found in every county, although they're most numerous in the pothole country of central Minnesota, where lakes and wetlands provide more abundant habitat.

Leopard frogs have green or brown camouflage, designed to foil such predators as snakes and herons, but the coloration makes them just as tricky for unpracticed humans to ')pot in last year's dead grass. It's almost easier to spot them by rustle than by sight.

They work their way slowly to where the grass thins along the roadside, then make their break, exploding from their hind legs in spectacular arcs across the asphalt. But many stop partway across, apparently seduced by the warmth of the pavement. With cars whizzing by less than 10 seconds apart - not to mention bikes and horses mortality is high.

and volunteers increased. The frogs that eluded volunteers were memorialized by dark red stains on the pavement.

Star Tribune Map

confuse pursuers further.

"Catching frogs is more of an art than a science," wrote David Merrell, a now~retired University of Minnesota professor, in a 1977 paper describing the life cycle of the leopard frog. Once caught, they should be handled carefully. "A freshly captured leopard frog is apt to empty its bladder on its captor so that one is well advised to aim it carefully when it is first caught," Merrell noted dryly.

They seem to move in irregular patterns along County Rd. 19. Ten minutes can go by without a frog reaching the shoulder, then several attempt the crossing almost at once.

On Sunday. Linck counted 20 frogs trying to cross during her first hour on the road, then lost count as traffic

But there's anecdotal evidence and an intuitive feeling of disturbing trends, although a scientific survey of the state's frog population is still in its early stages, said David Hoppe:, a biology professor at the University of Minnesota-Morris. Leopard frog populations seem to be declining, the size of the frogs is shrinking and the number of adults in the population is down, Hoppe said. Such observations mirror concern worldwide about frog and toad populations, concern heightened by the fact that amphibians and their ancestors had been adapting successfully for 350 million years.

Theories abound. One scientific study offrogs and toads in Orego~'s Cascade Mountains blamed the thinning ozone layer and a fonn of solar radiation for killing offeggs.

Other authorities blame pollution.

Closer to home, development of the urban fringe of the Twin Cities has affected the frogs.

"The new politically correct term is 'anthroprogenic causation' - in other words, man screwed it up again," said John Moriarty, a Hennepin Parks wildlife specialist.

The frogs crossing County Rd. 19 are searching for breeding areas. Merrell found that they prefer ponds only a yard or two deep. They're wanner and free offish, although there's some danger they'll dry up in summer heat before the tadpoles have metamorphosed into small frogs.

The fern-ale deposits an estimated 2,000 to 5,000 eggs, meaning there's a high degree of mortality even if populations aren't declining.

Scientists are troubled by decreased numbers of the eggs hatching.

Once the tadpoles tum into frogs, they feed on insects, smaller frogS and other bite-sized critters. They leave breeding ponds, searching for more permanent bodies of water.

Once again, man intrudes. In his most striking example, Merrell reported finding 1,1 00 car~kil1ed carcasses of tiny frogs on a ISO-yard stretch of road the morning after it had been paved, Linck considers her efforts a short~ term holding action. Eventually she'd like to see at least a frog--crossing sign. The ideal solution would be to widen the culvert under the road, which Moriarty said frogs aren'l using because the current is too strong.

"There's always eat and be eaten.

[But] they haven't been able to evolve mechanisms against cars," said Linck.

MRS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 4

15

Cla.ss:i.f:i.e.d 1.0.0=ma1e. O.1.0=fema1e. O.O.1=unknown. ad

~ates

Ads

on inside back cover of this newa1etter

For Sale: 1.1 Guyanan red-tailed boas, $650 for pair. Contact Fred or Liz 1612)476-0306.

Attention ophiophiles! Plains Reptile is, now taking orders for 1994 hatchlings-reserve yours today! To shop while in the luxury of your own home, call or write for our free price list.

Plains Reptile: P.O. Box 5818, Fargo, ND 58105 1701)241-9742.

0.1.0 - 8ft. Burmese python $125, 1.1 Columbian red-tailed boas, 2yr old male, 3yr old female, $325 for pair. 0.0.1 juvenile boa constrictor $125.

1.1 bullsnakes, 2yr captive born $30 pair. Eastern milksnakes, 4yrs old $15. Call 1715)425-8888 weekdays &1715)426-9966 weekends and evenings.

Wanted: VOLUNTEERS! Get involved with your herp society!

Meet new people! MIlS is ALWAYS looking for volunteers for events like hands-on and newsletter folding. We also currently and desperately need volunteers for certain committees: Library and Adoption committee. Please contact President Bill Moss for more info on these opportunities! Thanks for your help!

Featuring . .. lAMS . .. KT •• • ProPlan . .. Sctence Diet Tetra . .. Toppers ... Other Specialty Foods

VIVARIUM PETS A Full Line of Pet Supplies & Unusual Pets

6519 Nicollet Ave. So. Richfield, MN 55423

Gloria Anton 612-861-8868

FOR SALE OR PETTING ZOOS PARTIES OR PROMOTIONS

ANIMALS OF WALTON'S HOLLOW EXOTIC

BILL

a FARM

a JEAN

ANIMALS

WALTON

5425 PETERSON ROAD WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55127-6713 (612) 426-8163

All the shed snake skins in the world, always, to use at hands-on programs. Bob Duerr 541-9417.

Mise:

Snake skins tanned. Call Jane for more info at 7247437.

SECORD'S EXO'l'lC .ANIMAl. HOUSE BILLY SECORD

BOA SURVEY: Please write for my questionnaire on boa constrictor reproduction. Even if your animals have not reproduced, please respond if they are at least 4 years old and have bad the opportunity. In return for a completed survey you will receive a chart showing the subspecies, tbeir scale counts and range.

William Joy, P.O. Box 300703, Arlington, TX 76007, USA. INTERNET: 72223.220@COMPUSERVE.COM

(612)-920-4802 SPECIALIZES IN CAPTIVE BREEDING OF FINE EXOTIC MAMMALS. HEDGEHOGS. FENNEC FOX. AND MANY OTHERS! USDA LICENSED!

MHS Newsletter Volume XIV Number 4

16

MRS Merchandise

Mise:

Rat and Mice Sales

Mhs also offers an assortment of other herp relate items for sale at the general meetings including: books t-shirts posters MRS buttons, stickers, patches notecards bumper stickers

Mice:

Pinkies - $6.00 doz.

Fuzzies - $6.00 doz.

Adults - $9.00 doz.

Rats:

Pups - $10.00 doz.

Adults - $12.00 six $24.00 doz.

Orders taken by Terry Scheiber, must be at least one week before the general meeting where they will be deiivered.

Phone: (612)440-7482.

Look for sales of merchandise at the far right hand side of the meeting room. Transactions can be handled before the meeting, during the break and after the meeting if time allows. All proceeds from the sale of MRS merchandise and raffle go towards the operating costs of the society such as: speaker fees, newsletter costs, books for. library, herp related charitable donations, etc. MRS is a non-profit organization and is volunteer run.

Cage Sales: Cages come pre-built but unfinished with the following: laminate interior, hinged mitered door, glass window, latch, incandescent light fixture and cord. A7.5 watt bulb will be included (MRS does no take responsibility for any injuries to an animal if purchaser uses a nigher wattage bulb or other hardware). Some cages are available for immediate purchase at the meetings. Contact newsletter editor (temporarily) if you would like to order one for delivery to meeting.

Specifications: l x wx h small cage: 24 x 18 x 12 - $50 large cage: 48 x 18 x 18 - $75

TIMBER RATTLESNAKE - LIMITED EDITION PRINT

By DAN KEYLER This print is from an original pen & ink drawing and is limited to an edition of 141 signed and numbered prints. Each print will cost $15_00 and can be personalized upon request.

MRS members interested in purchasing a print should contact the artist at MHS meetings or by calling 347-8760 (w) or 933-2055 (h). Proceeds will . be used to recover printing costs and further Timber Rattlesnake research in Minnesota. So place your order soon - they won't last long. '>'h

CLASSIFIED AD INSTRUCTIONS: Ads are run as a free service to paid members.

MRS 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 (1) standard size business card. DEADLINE for all newsletter items is one week before the general meeting.

NON MEMBER & EXPANDED SIZE ADS: Line ads:$.10 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 $25.00 per month Full page ads: $40.00 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, SI. Paul, MN 55107.

MEMBERSHIP AND T-SHIRT ORDER FORM MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY NAME(S) ________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS _______________________________________________________________________ CITY ____________________________ PRONE ______________________________

STATE ________

ZIP CODE

LIST IN MRS DIRECTORY?

YES

NO ----

HERP RELATED INTERESTS:

TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP? MEMBERSHIP LEVEL?

NEW ____ RENEWAL ____ _

--1NSTITUTION .... $25.(X)

---'SUSTAINING ..... $60.00

_ _CONTRIBUTING ..... $30.00

____BASrc. ... $15.00

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

Newest T-Shirts

Two Designs

($17 .00 includes postage)

NEW

($14.00 postage included)

Circle Choice

North American Turtles

Iguana (Head Shot)

Indicate how many of each size LARGE_ SMALL_ ADULTS: MEDlUM ___ X-LARGE_

POISON DART FROG T-SHIRT Indicate how many of each size

KIDS - - -

SMAl.L__

LARGE___

MEDlUM_

X-LARGE __

ADULTS:

Please enclose payment. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society. Membership is for 12 months [rom 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

Non-Profit 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

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1157 12./99 G MHS Library

c/o tZarin Rea b lt Avenue 951 Hum 0 1 MN ~5118-1430

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west

st.

Pall .,

I

'

DELIVER BY APRIL 27,1994

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