Vol. 16 (1996), No. 1

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER JANUARY 1996

VOL. 16 NO.1

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY Newsletter Volume 16 Number 1 January 1996

CONTENTS News, Notes, and Announcements.......................... ................................

Calendar of Events..............................................................................

Meeting Review by Randy BJasus..........................................................

Basic Tortoise Care Revisited by William Ness........................................

Snakes of Minnesota - Timber Rattlesnake by Jeff LeClere.........................

Great Lakes Declining Amphibians Conference Announcement....................

MHS Business................... ..................... ............................................

The Minnesota Herpetological Society is a nonprofit organization afftliated with the:

~j J,m" 1'0.<' Bel' Museum of Natural History 'I)

University of ,'vlinnesota

I 4 5 6 9 11 12

MHS VOICE MAIL: (612) 624-7065 President: Bill Moss (612)488-1383

Membership Secretary: MHS Statement of Purpose: to further the education of the membership and the general public in care and captive propagation of reptiles 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 Editor

Member at Large Member at Large Member at Large

Member at Large Member at Large

GeorgeRichard (612) 623-7620

MHS SPECIAL COMMITTEES Education Chair: Sean Hewitt (612) 935-5845 Adoption Chair: Glen Jacobsen (612) 757-8268

Bill Moss Greg Kvanbeck George Richard Randy Blasus Marilyn B1asus

Editor: John P. Levell (612) 374路5422

John Levell Gary Ash Dan Bergquist Barbara Radanke James Rea Siri Rea

Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter is published monthly by the Minnesota Herpetological Society.

Manuscripts and advertisements may be submitted in any fomlat, 3 112 inch IBM or Macintosh compatible disks

preferred. The publication deadline for ads is always the weekend of the MHS general meeting. Submissions should be sent to: MHS Editor, c/o The Bell Museum of

SNAKEBITE EMERGENCY Hennepin County Regional Poison Center

(612) 347-3141 Minnesota Poison Control System Local: (612) 221-2113 Out of State: (800) 222-1222

Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104. 漏 Copyright Minnesota Herpetological Society 1996.

Contents may be reproduced provided that all material is reproduced without change and proper credit is given authors and the MRS Newsletter citing; volume, number, and date.

MHS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 1 Page 1

News, Notes & Announcements Upcoming

Meeting

Highlights

February Program: MHS White Snake Sale Wellit's February, time once again for the world famuus White Snake Sale, which also happens to be the annual fund raising event of the MHS. Traditionally a top money maker for the Society and always a lot of fun, this "silent auction" features a large variety of new and used herpetologically oriented merchandise and equipment including; books, cages, lights, heaters, t-shirts, jewelry, artwork, etc., etc. As in previous years virtually everyone in attendance can expect to find at least one "must have" item among all the goodies donated not just by the membership of the MHS, but by numerous commercial dealers and equipment suppliers as well. As an added bonus the February meeting will also feature a display of this yeal's photo contest entries as well as a short "vintage" film clip of Howard K. Gloyd collecting reptiles in Arizona during the 1930's. So plan on attending this once a year event and help support our society by purchasing and/or donating items at the annual auction.

See you there.

JPL

February Meeting Location: Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus Date & Time: February 2, 1996 - 7:00 p.m.

February's meeting will be in the usual Borlaug Hall location and will feature the MHS's annual White Snake Sale silent auction and Photo Contest Entries Show. Due to the nature of this event there will Not .Be Any Library or Critter of the Month activities at February's meeting. These activities will resome at the March meeting.

MVS Reptile Zoo Internship The Miami Valley Serpentarium Reptile Zoo, a nonprofit organization, is seeking a student intern for the 1996 spring, fall, and summer season.

MVS is an educational exhibit, reptile breeding and venom research facility located near Kentucky's Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Park. The interu will assist in the captive maintenance of the zoo's reptile collection, collect admissions to the exhibit, give interpretive talks and interact with the public, assist with educational outreach programs, and perform other duties as assigned. In addition, the interu will be responsible for the completion of at least one research project related to the field of herpetology. The intern will not be involved in the handling of any venomous reptiles.

Desirable qualifications include a willingness to handle snakes and other reptiles on a daily basis, ability to communicate effectively with people, writing skills, orientation to details, and self-motivation. Students majoring in the biological or natural sciences are preferred.

Fonner interns have arranged for academic credit with their colleges or universities. Salary and benefits include experience with the most extensive and diverse collection of snakes in the area, housing, and $55/week in pay.

Personal transportation reconunended. Starting dates are flexible, but a minimum commitment of three months covering SPRING (Mar -May), or SUMMER (June Aug), or FALL (Sept - Nov) is required.

To apply send a cover letter and resume to: James R. Harrison, Executive Director MVS Reptile Zoo 1275 Natural Bridge Rd. Slade, KY 40376 Deadlines for Applications: SPRING - Feb. 1, 1996 SUMMER - Mar. 20, 1996 FALL - June 15, 1996

UNIVERSITY Of' MINNESOTA_ ST. PAUL CAMPUS lARPElffEUR

Spend "Herp Bucks" Now!

'= --, i

For some as yet undetennined reason, MHS "Herp Bucks" issued during 1995 expire after the February 1996 MHS general meeting. These "Herp Bucks" may be redeemed at face value for a large variety of MHS merchandise including; t-shirts, books, notecards, postcards, stickers, rodents, etc. They may also be used to purchase auction items at the White Snake Sale and to pay MHS membership dues. Everyone holding 1995 "Herp Bucks" is strongly urged to spend them at or before JPL February's meeting.

MHS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 1 Page 2

From Arsenal to Nature's Haven?

A Spectacular Discovery Among the Bones - Fossil of an Oviraptor on a Nest

The Ground of the Twin Cities Arsenal Plant is located in Arden Hills and consists of four square miles of habitat, a large part of which is largely undisturbed.

Portions of land are contaminated by toxins, but the federal government is planning on cleaning up the site before releasing possession of it Many conservationists are trying to have as much of the land set aside as possible for a recreational and natural area. This site is remarkable for the richness of its fauna and remains one of the last few places in the Metro area this large that has not been developed. Joan Galli, a nongame wildlife specialist with the DNR says that "with good planning, we could have a meaningful system of greenways that would not just be for wildlife but for recreation, too." Greenways would be used to link this area with local parks through parkways and rail road right of ways to provide a corridor for animals to repopulate other areas. Birds may even help disperse seeds along these corridors.

Three uncommon native species reside in this tract of land. The Plains Pocket Mouse, a prairie plant called Illinois Tick-trefoil, and the Blanding's Turtle are those that are generating the most interest. The DNR considers the turtle and the Tick-trefoil to be "threatened" species and the mouse may be listed as a "species of special concern." John Moriarty, a wildlife specialist with Hennepin Parks said " The arsenal site is now probably a big enough 'island' to maintain the mouse and the turtle plus other species. But if the arsenal gets broken up for development, it might be too small to maintain populations of Blanding's Turtles."

Currently an advisory conunittee (founded by Rep. Bruce Vento, D-Minn. whose district includes the arsenal) is still investigating the situation, but their recommendation is expected soon.

Offers Strong Support for an Evolutionary Link Between Dinosaurs and Modern Birds

Editor's Note: The preceding is an excerpt of a longer article which appeared in the Nov. 10, 1995 edition of the Mpls. Star Tribune. JPL

January Raffle Donors FRAWG (Friends of Rare Amphibians of the Western Ghats) Karin Rea DavKaufman Michelle Stillinger Collen Falconer Tetra Terrafauna Rep-Cal

FRAWG Stickers DeMet's Turtles Hot Rock Coloring Books Rubber Reptiles Critter Log, Hot Rocks & Reptomin Herptivite

Revenue generated by raffle ticket sales help finance a variety of society functions, including the MHS Conservation Fund. Congratulations to all the winners, and thanks to everyone who donated items and/or purchased raffle tickets!

NEW YORK - Fossil hunters digging in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia have discovered a spectacular fossil of a 9-foot-Iong dinosaur that died 70 million to 80 million years ago while sitting on it's nest of eggs. This is the first defmitive evidence of parental care among at least some dinosaurs, and it also is more strong support for an evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds.

The creature, called an Oviraptor, a beaked carnivorous dinosaur resembling a small ostrich with a tail, was brooding a nest of at least IS eggs. It is not known whether the dinosaur was male or female. It's legs were tucked tightly behind it's body in a manner identical to that of modern birds such as chickens and pigeons. It's arms encircled the nest in a protective posture.

Prehistoric parenting An o.TI!ptor, II late cretaceoJs

(!O;Isar, died whlSe Sttrg 00 a nest

*

of eggs 70 to 80 rribl)\WS TOO fos:si sl@!$ISth3tt:rosi'tled.fd ~beh<r.b'fmn~

Something dire happened. Either the Oviraptor died shortly before a sandstorm struck and was buried almost immediately, or it died as a result of the storm.

In any even~ a quick burial deep in dry sand fossilized the animal's bones and eggs and preserved them exactly in place, a moment in time frozen for all time.

It was the sight of a few daggerlike talons protruding from the earth in the Ukhaa Tolgod Basin that first attracted the scientists. They excavated only enough of the skeleton to identify the specimen and discover the nest. Then they bundled the fossil in a 400-pound plaster cast for Shipment to New York.

The Oviraptor fossils were excavated two years ago, but it was not until the chunk of red sandstone containing the fossil was examined much later at the American Museum in New Yorlc that the researchers realized the importance of what they had found.

Reporting the discovery in today's issue of the journal Nature, the team of scientists led by Mark Norell, a paleontologist at the museum, concluded that although birds had already appeared by the time the Oviraptor died, the finding provides the strongest evidence yet that birds inherited brooding behavior from dinosaurs.

Editor's Note: The preceding article, author unknown, has been reprinted from the Dec. 21, 1995 edition of the Mpls. Star Tribune.

JPL

MHS Newsletter Volume 16 Number I Page 3

Faster Than You'd Think

Don't Forget MHS on your Tax Returns

Turtles got a lot more cosmopolitan in 1995. Until now, the oldest turtle fossils, about 210 million years old, came from Thailand, Greenland and Gennany -- which at the time were all in the northern half of the supercontinent Pangaea. Researchers assumed that turtles originated there and then took 60 million years or so to reach places like South America and Africa. But this past year Guillenno Rougier, a paleontologist at the American Museum of Natural History, described turtle fossils from Argentina tbat were also 210 million years old -- indicating that turtles had already spread over the planet by then. The Argentinean turtles were different from their northern contemporaries, though. Their shell extended over their neck -- early turtles couldn't yet retract it -- whereas other turtles had evolved external spines to protect that sensitive spot. And the Argentineans lived in arid habitats, whereas most northern turtles lived in or near water. "This shows that 210 million years ago turtles were already able to colonize different kinds of environments and were quite diverse,lt says Rougier.

You may wonder what your tax returns have to do with MHS. When, some of the money you spend with MHS is deductible, it has a lot in common. Not all the money you so graciously give is a write off. Let me summarize in a list what you should be allowed to deduct.

Editor's Note: The preceding article, written by Michael Abrams, originally appeared in Discover magazine's "year in review" issue published in Jan. 1996.

JPL

January "Critter of the Month" Dan Bergquist Greg Kvanbeek T. Keyler, N. Reep & S. Gehrke John Levell Bill Moss

Freezer Collection American Toad BU/o americanus Green Anoles Anolis carolinensis Western Hognose Snake Heterodon nasicl/s Fisher Price HelpS Fisherous priceii

MHS Election Update Currently these people are running for the MHS Board of Directors. Next month look for a complete listing of the members and their contributions to the Society.

President Vice President

Treasurer Recording Secretary Membership Secretary Editor Members at Large

Gloria Anton Michael Gaunt Marilyn Blasus Michele Stephen George Richard John Levell Dan Bergquist Chase Delles Donna Gaunt NancyRaig Barb Radanke Mark Schmidke

Submitted by: Randy Blasus

1) Contributing or Sustaining memberships are partially deductible. That is, the difference paid over a basic membership is a write off. If you paid for a Sustaining membership in 1995, you can take $45.00 off your tax return and a Contributing membership can take $15.00.

2) Raffle tickets purchased, but there is a catch. You have to subtract the value anything you won from the money spent buying the tickets during 1995. No fun task to keep track of it all, but you have to keep a total. Now, on the flip side, if you won more that you spent, you should technically claim that as income.

3) An unreimbursed expenseofMHS. You had to have purchased something solely for MHS use and not received any compensation for it. Let me give you an example: I went out and got the pencils for the White Snake Sale; they were used at the Sale, and are now sitting in the supply box, but MHS never paid me for them (because I never turned in the receipt) - I can deduct that cost.

4) Board Members can deduct mileage to and from Board meetings at the rate of $.12 per mile. You bave to list your mileage in a log with date, place, etc. Actually, anyone can deduct the mileage to a Board Meeting, a MHS Education Program, or any specific travel for MHS (unless there is an element of recreation). But it probably is not worth the hassle, unless you are on the Board or do a lot of Programs for MHS. 5) Any direct contribution made to MHS of money is deductible. For example, the money put in the } frog at meetings or a donation made to us.

The bad news is that most of the money you write out to MHS is not deductible: buying books, tshirts, or other small items; your basic membership; or items you got at the White Snake Sale.

The burden of proof and documentation is your responsibility.

There is little reason to have even read this article if you are using the standard deduction and filing with a 1040EZ or 1040A fonn, but if you are itemizing your deductions, you should pay attention to what is above.

As I am not you tax advisor, these are just tips on some of the areas you can look into with you tax preparer when you are filing your taxes this year.

Lastly, MRS is incorporated as a 50\ (c)(3) under the IRS definition of charity organizations, making all these deductions possible.

If you have any questions, please call me.

(612) 925-7065 Marilyn Brooks Blasus - Treasurer

MHS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 1 Page 4

Malaysian Rhythms

Leap Forward, High Over It

THE DIN OF ANIMALS pervades the night in Malaysian swamps. There's so much noise that one kind of female tree frog has evolved a distinctive way to contact males amid the cacophony. "Anything that will improve communication will be selected for evolutionarily," says Peter Narins, a biologist at UCLA. The female wanders into a chorus of calling males, picks a spot in the dense mat of reeds, and rhythmically toe-taps on the vegetation.

Prospective mates sense the vibrations and come hopping.

This peculiar tapping behavior has never been reported before --normally female frogs hear a male and jump over to it. The Malaysian tree frog has previously been identified as Polypedafes leucomystax, a species found in striped and unstriped form in many parts of Asia -- but only the unstriped Malaysian kind taps. Narins suspects, and genetic tests done this year strongly suggest, that the tappers should be considered a new species.

From a Navajo reservation in Arizona came word this past year of a 190 million year old frog -- the oldest yet discovered -- that was already a decent jumper. Prosalil'lIs bitis, unearthed by biologists Neil Shubin of the University of Pennsylvania and Farish Jenkins of Harvard, is 15 million years older than the previous record holder, and unlike that fossil it has hind legs and a well-preserved pelvis. Those legs were long enough to give the frog a powerful forward spring, says Shubin (Prosalirlls means "to leap forward" in Latin), while the pelvis was flexible enough to transmit the force of the jump efficiently and lift the frog's whole body (bitis means "high over it" in Navajo). The pelvis was also steadied during ajump by muscles that had been converted from tail duty --Prosalims had lost the tail of its amphibian ancestors. But judging from the marks those muscles left at their attachment points on the pelvis, they weren't as prominent as in modern frogs, which suggests that Prosalirus WOUldn't have won any contests in Calaveras County.

Nevertheless, as Shubin points out, "the body plan that arose at least 190 million years ago is extremely successful. With it, frogs survived several major extinction events, and there ,are now over 4,000 modern

Editor's Note: The preceding article, written by Fenella Saunders, originally appeared in Discover magazine's "year in review" issue of Jan. 1996. JPL

January Refreshments

species."

For Bring Refreshments to January's general meeting the MHS says Thank You to: Dick "Cookie Man" Palmatier

Editor's Note: The preceding article, written by Michael Abrams, originally appeared in the Jan. 1996 JPL issue of Discover magazine. ,

I

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Jan. 27, 1996 MHS "Hands-On". Capitol Hill Magnet School (for Gifted and Talented Children). For more info Contact: Sean Hewitt (612) 935-5845.

Feb. 2, 1996 MHS ANNUAL WHITE SNAKE SALE. Borlaug Hall (see map page 1), U of M, St. Paul Campus. 7:00 pm.

Mar. 1, 1996 MHS Annual Election Meeting. Borlaug Hall (see map page 1), U of M, St. Paul Campus. 7pm.

Mar. 30, 1996 Great Lakes Declining Amphibians Conference. Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 W. Wells St. Milwaukee WI 53233. Pre-registration $5.00. For more info Contact: Gary S. Caspar (414) 278-2766, fax (414) 278-6100, Email- gsc@csd.uwm.edu.

Apr. 12-14, 1996 Amphibians and Reptiles of Indiana: A Symposium in Honor Of Dr. Sherman A. Minton, Jr. Indianapolis, IN. For more info Contact: Harriet A. Rodenberg, University Place Conference Center and Hotel, 850 Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46202-5198 (317) 274-5053.

Apr. 13, 1996 Annual All Florida Herpetological Conference. Gainesville, FL. Rietz Union, University ' Campus, University of Florida. For more info Contact: Dr. David Auth (904) 392-1721.

July 13-14, 1996 International Reptile Breeder's Convention. San Diego Concourse Plaza Hall, San Diego, CA. For more info Contact: Ray Busby (800) 497 -3550.

July 24-29, 1996 39th Annual Meeting of the SSAR. University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS. For more info Contact: Cathy M. Dwigans, Academic & Professional Programs/Continuing Education, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045 (913) 864-3284, fax (913) 864-5074 Aug. 17-18, 1995 National Reptile Breeder's Expo. Radisson Twin Towers Hotel & Convention Center, Orlando, FL. Contact: Wayne Hill, P.O. Box 3277, Winter Haven, Fl33885 (813) 294-2235.

Sept. 14-15. 1996 Mid-Atlantic Reptile Show. Maryland State Fairgrounds, Baltimore, MD. For more info Contact: Tim Hoen, Maryland Herp. Soc., 2643 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218-4590 (410) 235-6116.

MRS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 1 Page 5

General Meeting Review

By Randy Blasus Jobn Tester is a Minnesota native, autbor and co-author of many tecbnical papers on vertebrate ecology, including at least five on berps as mentioned in Ampbibians and Reptiles Native to Minnesota (Oldfield & Moriarty. p 233). He is also tbe autbor of a new book, Minnesota's Natural Heritage (published by University of Minnesota Press. 1995), on wbich bis presentation was based.

John gave us an overview of the environmental changes that have taken place on a strip of land 50 miles wide in northern Minnesota over the last 10,000 years. The area described encompasses approximately the land between Fosston and Detroit Lakes, and from Bemidji to Park Rapids.

His story began in prehistoric time, about 10,000 years ago. Most of the land in tbe area was covered in Spruce and Pine forest then. Somewhere around five thousand years later, it had become Oak savanna and mid grass prairie. Presently, the vegetation is divided between mixed forest and tall grass prairie.

Each one of these vegetational sbifts also involved a cbange in tbe climate. The forests represent cool, moist conditions. The Oak savanna would be drier and warmer with the prairie even more so.

Wby did this area warm up? A possible cause could be a cbange in the Earth's axis of rotation caused by a sbift in the molten core. No one knows for certain wbat the precise cause is. However, we do know that these babitat changes took place. The evidence is in the sedimentary record of ponds and wetlands. Over time, pollen grains from the various plants fall over the land and water. These grains sink to the bottom of wetlands and are covered by sediment wasbed from the earth in eacb seasonal cycle. Cores of the pond bottoms can be analyzed for pollen types and tbeir frequency of distribution in tbe layers. Any wood debris, especially cbarred, found in tbe core can be used to radio carbon date the samples taken at tbat point.

There are three distinct ecological systems in tbis study area. From the east we begin witb the coniferous forests wbich gradually merges into a mixed then higbly deciduous forest type. Tbe next cbange is more drastic and leaves the woodland bebind at the edge of one of tbe glacial moraines (gravel ridges) and becomes tall grass prairie. Another moraine further west drops even lower into the Red River Valley. Each one of these moraines represent a step down in elevation and stands alone ecologically from tbe other. Jobn sbowed that the land is not only differentiated by elevation, but also by otber factors as well. Traveling east to west on this transect, the average yearly temperature climbs wbile the precipitation decreases. The temperature cbanges by three degrees Fahrenbeit and rainfall by five inches. A large variation for so small an area, especially wben the difference in annual average world temperature

from the last ice age to now is only three to six degrees.

To understand why these babitat sbifts take place along such clearly divided lines, observations were made across the state. Fire is a major factor in controlling vegetation on tbe prairie, as most trees can not withstand its assault. An additional theory for tbe definition between wood and field is that the elevation increase of the two glacial moraines effects tbe atmospbere just enough to promote tbe formation of moisture producing clouds. Thus causing more rainfall in tbe forested areas. Next, tbe animals were observed. Eacb ecosystem bas its own version of a particular species, uniquely adapted to the climate.

Each species is closely related but distinct and specifically distributed. All are tied in some way to tbeir babitat; bow, thougb, we do not know.

For tbe future, we may be in for some rougb times. As soon as fifty years from now our climate in Minnesota may be as much as seven to nine degrees Celsius warmer (according to one study by Manley & Weatherall). This may not seem like mucb, but remember the glacial age only decreased the world average temperature by three to six degrees!

The temperature rise predicted would also bring a decrease in tbe soil moisture by forty to fifty percent!

However, other models for global warming predict the opposite, they sbow tbe coasts of the U.S. to be the most impacted and not tbe interior. Others in the scientific community question what impact cloud cover bas on tbe amount of solar energy reacbing the Earth or wbat effects volcanic activity would play in these models.

No one knows just what is abead yet, but most seem to agree tbat cbange, in one form or another, is imminent. The predicted climatological shift in temperature may already be making itself felt.

Rising temperatures may promote more unstable weather patterns. This could be why we seem to be baving more of the "one-hundred year storms" in our recent bistory. These devastating natural weather pbenomena may be increasing in frequency because of the disruption caused by the "greenhouse effect."

Overall, John's entertaining and informative presentation helped to furtber the knowledge we posses about our state and its recent (in geological terms) bistory. His description of tbe habitat and the specific types of species that live in each sbows tbe need for documentation of animals and their location.

This can also lead to tbe another view, namely bow you can use geography to fmd certain animals. Mter tbe main slide sbow was over, many people in the audience posed many challenging questions, and even answered a few. To wind up tbe evening, several members purcbased a copy of John Tester's book from the MHS sales table, which were graciously signed by the author. 000000000000000000000

MHS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 1 Page 6

Basic Tortoise Care Revisited

By William Ness Introduction: There has been much written on tile care of tortoises and this article is meant to be a brief review of some of the basics. This article is not meant to be all inclusive, but rather an overview based on my personal experience, the experiences of other tortoise herdsmen, and personal research and reading. There will be a brief bibliography listed at the end of the article for more in-depth reading.

Part I - The Basics: The very first thing a tortoise keeper needs to do is make a positive identification of the tortoise. This may seem really basic, but this is very important in determining the proper environmental and dietary needs of your animal. You cannot always depend solely on information given to you by a dealer, unless you are certain tile individual is knowledgeable in tortoises. I once purchased a tortoise from a large pet shop in the Twin Cities tllat was labeled "Hermann's Tortoise." I happened to know the manager very well and knew that he had a lot of experience with tropical fish but was a relative newcomer to reptiles. I asked him how he knew it was a Hermann's and he told me that was wllat the wholesaler told him. The tortoise was actually an Elongated Tortoise, Indotestudo elongata, a species which is not only regarded as belonging to a completely different genus than the Hermann's Tortoise, Testudo hermanni, but which lives in a different part of the world and has different care requirements than a Hermann's as well. Some species have similar characteristics, so it is important to know the key differences for positive identification. I purchased a young Redfoot Tortoise, Geochelone carbonaria, a number of years ago, but as it grew the coloring looked more like a Yellowfoot, Geochelone denticu/ata, than a Redfoot. However, upon checking the scalation pattern on the plastron and head I determined that it was indeed a Redfoot. If you go through an experienced reptile dealer or breeder you can be more certain of the species' identification.

There are also a number of books with detailed descriptions of the various breeds that can help you make a positive identification.

Once you have positively identified your tortoise you need to find out as much about your particular species as you can. The Minnesota Herpetological Society (MHS) library has a number of good books on tortoises. Some pet shops also carry a good line of reptile books and tllere is at least one book dealer in tile area wllo specializes in reptiles. Some books on tortoises are very general which will give you the basics, but eventually you will want more detailed information on the particular species you are keeping. In order to best meet tile tortoise's environmental and dietary needs you need to

know wllat habitat it occupies in tile wild and what it's natural dietary preferences are. Not only do you need to know tile specific habitat of your tortoise but you also need to know how it behaves in that Ilabitat.

For exanaple, some tortoises live in very hot and dry desert environments but spend the hottest part of the day deep in a burrow and only come out when it is cooler.

Once you have detennined the basic requirements of your tortoise you need to adapt those requirements to your particular situation. It is impractical to set up the exact environmental, spatial, and dietary choices that a tortoise would have in the wild, but we can set up close approximations.

Several factors need to be addressed. The specific pen requirements including; light source, heat sources, hiding places, substrate, ventilation, humidity, water supply, and diet.

Part II - Housing: The first thing to look at is the turtle pen. Tile size of the pen is somewhat subjective and is dependent on the size and age of the tortoise and the space you have available. Also, if the pen is for multiple tortoises, the sex ratio may also be a factor, as males during the breeding season can be aggressive towards other males. Generally, I like to see the biggest enclosure practical, but I have seen a nnmber of tortoises maintained and even reproducing in relatively small enclosures where most of their basic needs were obviously being met.

Pen size and construction material can have an effect on the tortoise's behavior. I had an adult pair of Redfoot Tortoises in an all glass 80 gallon aquarium with newspaper as a substrate and a heat lanap over one end. The pen was approximately 18 by 60 by 18 inches high. The tortoises spent a lot of time banging around the aquarium and actually scratched up the glass. I then moved them to a pen that was made of plywood on three sides with a glass front with a floor space of four foot by eight foot.

The pen had several heat sources and a large hide box.

The tortoises spent a lot of time exploring this cage but spent very little time banging against the glass.

I think it is important to remember that glass is not part of their natural environment and most tortoises try to walk right through glass as if it wasn't there. I feel that a large pen with reduced glass may be a factor in reducing stress in the animals in some cases.

Ventilation is another factor that is related to the animal's native habitat. Does the animal live in the steanay rain forest or in the arid desert? Make certain that the ventilation allows you to maintain the proper humidity. Inadequate ventilation and a large water bowl may lead to humidity related health problems for arid species, just as an open topped cage

M H S's Annual

i~e Snake Dale The annual sale is a great place to unload your unused items at a benefit to the Society and to also pick up some great deals. There will be plenty of new and used merchandise including cages, old newsletters, pet food and toys just to name a few (no live animals). Your contribution helps us fund the Society throughout the year and is greatly appreciated.

Remember that the voting for the People's Choice category of the Photo Contest is this meeting. So be sure to look over the pictures at the front of the room.

As a reminder to all those who plan to attend: There will be no adoption, library (except returns), sales (except rodents), raffle or critter of the month in February.

The Rules of the Game: - When you arrive bring any items for donation to the back of the room. Sale committee members will be there to accept them.

-Minimum bid is $.25 and needs to be increased by each person no less then $.25 ($.50, $.75, $5.00, $100.00).

- Items will be placed out in groups. Each item will have a bid sheet with a suggested value.

- Members will have 10-15 minutes to view the items and write down their bids. You can bid on items as many times as you wish. The President will announce the end of each bidding round.

- At the end of each bidding period, the items and bid sheets will be collected. The member with the highest bid will be the buyer of the item.

- At the end of the sale the items will be sorted and members will pay for their purchases. The committee members will announce each person whose purchases are ready to be picked up. Please be patient as this is a large task.

Products

- Take care of any business such as membership dues or returning your library books after dropping off the items.

Many Vendors have contributed to this sale. Here is a list of -!hemto date:

- A certain section of the room will be roped off. Please avoid sitting in this area (we apologize for the cramped conditions this will bring).

Perfecto Cal 2000 ZooMed Remarkable Reptiles Repeal Pillstrom Tongs Pretty Pets

- The sale will be run as a silent auction. Use your membership number as your bid number. Get the number from your name tag or the Membership Secretary.

RE B1asus

Tetra Second Nature Cornell University Press Energy Savers Unlimited Reptile and Amphibian Magazine GIadesHerp Python Products Southview Animal Hospital

Classified Ads 1.0.0 = male, 0.1.0 = female, 0.0.1 = unsexed c.b. = captive bred, o.b.o. = or best offer

For Sale

Miscellaneous

Adult Long Term Captive Monitors. 1.1.1 Varanus dumerili, 1.0 V. jobiensis, 0.0.1 V. niloticus omatus.

Also 2 adult tegus. Some cages, mice, rats and rabbits.

Please call for mOre details, all trades considered. Dan (612) 772-9315.

BREEDING INVENTORY SURVEY: Everyone keeping live reptIles and amphibians is asked to contribute to this annual report. Please submit tbe following info current Jan. 1st of eacb year: (I) Inventory of collection, list . numbers and sex, (2) list of all species bred during the previous year, (3) any longevity records, (4) please print clearly; your name, address and telepbone number as you want them listed, (5) please do respond. Send info to: Frank Slavens, P.O. Box 30744, SeattJe, WA 98103.

Fax: (206) 546-2912.

2.1 Dumeril's Boas, Acrantophis dumerili, c.b. babies 10/95. Feeding well on small mice. $250 ea. Call Connie or Jobn (612) 374-5422 2.3 Spotted Pytbons, Antaresia maculosa, C.B. 7/95 $95 - $125 ea. 2.2 Bay of LA Rosy Boas, Lichanura t. sasiowi, CB 9/95, excellent feeders $95 - $125 ea. 1.1 Mexican Rosy Boas, Lichanura t. trivirgata, CB 9/95 575 . ea. 5.4 Kenyan Sand Boas, Eryx c. loveridgi, CB 9/95, from brigbt orange parents, $50 - $75 ea. Will also trade for Aesculapian Rat Snakes, Elaphe longissima, or Pueblan Milks, Lampropeltis t. campbelli. Uli Saccbet (612) 937-5838.

Mice and Rats. Call Little Critters (612) 421-0097 Rabbits - Fryer size, current listed market price.

Discounts for orders of 6 or more. Rat size $1.50 ea. or 6 for $7.50. Adults $2 ea wben available. All sizes currently available. Call Jim Daluge (612) 295-2818.

1995 HERPETOLOGICAL DIRECTORY. Valuable info source containing private & conunercial breeders, wbolesalers, foreign exporters, US/foreign societies, food sources, supplies, publications, more .....$15. MClVisa.

Great Valley Serpentarium, 2379 Maggio Circle, Unit C Lodi, CA 95240, (209) 369-7737, Fax (209) 369-7737.

SEA TURTLE SURVIVAL LEAGUE, announces its' line of eco-promoting sea turtle mercbandise, for a free catalog write: Sea Turtle Survival League, P.O. Box 2866, Gainesville, FL 32602-2866 or call (800) 6787853.

Will fInd or provide "homes" for any and all unwanted venomous snakes and crocodilians. For more info contact The Exotic Dead Comer (612) 545-5127.

GREAT VALLEY SERPENTARIUM, a private museum and breeding facility offering a wide selection of c.b. colubrids, boids and lizards. Open to the public. Write or fax for free price-list. Great Valley Serpentarium, 2379 Maggio Circle, Unit C Lodi, CA 95240, (209) 369-7737, Fax (209) 369-7737. :-- :

.ANIMALIA .. ... EXOTlCR,INC .

8r~erOwned& Operated

• .Ha(1df~ Baby Birds Reptiles. Other. Exotics

Wanted ALL THE SHED SNAKE SKJNS IN THE WORLD, Always, to use at bands-on programs to give to ldds. Bob Duerr (612) 541-0362.

Wanted: Any Day Geckos (Phelsuma). Call Dean R. Montour (612) 257-2462.

Herp related news clippings, original articles, artwork, cartoons, etc. for publication in tbe MHS Newsletter.

Autbors and artists will receive compensation in the form of volunteer hrs, good towards one "priceless" MRS coffee mug. Send submissions to: MN Herp. Soc./ Editor, c/o Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104.

My female Rough-scaled Sand Boa is ready to breed this year. Looking for a male as a breeding loan. Call Chase; (612) 374-5422.

Male albino Bunnese Pytbon for breeding loan. Call: Dan (612) 772-9315.

. ·····.·.·."88i~033j·••· . • ·"1939W; sJnsVilleA<Wy Burnsville. MN 55337 . .,:

,~.

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..

.'

REPTILES AMPHIBIANS

~

...

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CAGES SUPPLIES

I

COLD PETS ___ J FOR COOL PEOPLE 12601 Chowen Ave. So. Burnsville. MN

(612) 894·2305

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREET S.E. • MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55455·0104

Dear MRS Member (s), We are updating our information for the new MRS White Pages Directory, to be published in March. The information shown below is our current data for you. Please review and make any corrections and/or additions as needed.

G1174

MRS Recording Secretary 3224 Idaho Avenue S St. Louis Park, MN 55426 Phone: email: Fax: The above information will not be listed in the directory per your direction.

However, would you please check the above information for accuracy so we may update our records.

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TODAY I I I

All corrections, changes or deletions must be made on this sheet. This sheet should be postmarked no later than March 1st or brought to the February or March meetings.

If this sheet is not returned by the above dates, the information will be printed as shown above.

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MRS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 1 Page 7

with several spot lights may dry the air out too much for Some species from more humid environments.

Substrate is a topic that has been much discussed and very little consensus has been reached.

Newspapers are the old standby and will work. They are cheap and readily available. There are several drawbacks to using newspaper, though. First of all it takes a little bit of time on your part to remove the old newspapers and carefully replace them in a large pen. However, it only takes a couple of tortoises about five minutes to completely trash the cage that you have so carefully set up for them. They will shred the paper, push it into the corner or water bowl, and them eat the wet newspaper and defecate on the exposed (now newspaperless) bottom of the cage.

Wood shavings have been used by some people, but it too has a few drawbacks. While maintenance is a little easier because you can just scoop out the soiled shavings, pine shavings and especially cedar shavings can be quite resinous and give off fumes that may be detrimental to tortoises. Wood shavings will also adhere to spilled food which then may then be ingested. Aspen shavings are supposed to be better than pine, but I would still be concerned about possible accidental ingestion. Rabbit pellets have been used quite successfully and, as usual, they have advantages and disadvantages. They are quite absorbent and have the advantage over the other mediums in being edible and actually good food for tortoises. Many recipes for tortoise diets include rabbit pellets. The disadvantage is that if you do not promptly remove soiled pellets they may be ingested or become moldy. They also seem to have a dehumidifying effect in a warm cage which can be a plus or a minus depending on species. One substrate that is becoming popular is a mineral based substrate (marketed as "CAL-STRATE") which is very absorbent, is edible, and acts as a calcium supplement. I have been experimenting with this substrate in my large tortoise and Bearded Dragon pens and have not really found any drawbacks yet.

Part III - Heating And Lighting: Heating and lighting are two areas that can go hand in hand. Most tortoises probably benefit from full-spectrum lighting. It is possible that tortoises housed outside . during the summer may get sufficient UV exposure to last through the winter, especially if they are adults.

This whole area of UV needs and appropriate sources is much debated. In the past, fluorescent lighting has been the only source of indoor full spectrum lighting, but I understand that there are now incandescent full spectrum bulbs available. In addition to full spectrum light, the tortoises need a heat source. I like to use a combination of top and bottom heat sources. During the day I run spotlights or other incandescent lights of a appropriate wattage to provide hot spots of about 90+ degrees and maintain ambient temperatures of about 80 - 85 degrees for Elongated, Redfoot, Leopard (Geocilelone pardalis), Russian

(Tesfudo Iwrsjieldii), and Pancake (Malacocilerus tornied) tortoises. These lights are controlled by

rheostats so that seasonal adjustments can be made without changing light bulbS. Bottom heat is provided by several means. I use human heating pads set on low or similarly designed reptile heating pads located under a shallow cover made of 114 paneling or tile board with one by two I by 2 inch wood strips around the sides to form a sort of inverted cookie pan.

The tortoises readily climb onto these low platforms.

A similar heating box can be made from 12 or 16 inch wide Flexwatt panels. If the cage floor is thin enough to allow sufficient heat transfer a heating devise can be placed directly under the cage. I have not yet had tortoises chew on cables, but the operative word is "yet." As a precaution I have developed ingenious ways of protecting any electrical cords located inside the pens. Unfortunately, I do not have enough space to describe these marvelous devices in the scope of this article.

Part IV - Water: Water is provided by one of several ways. A container large enough for the tortoise to crawl into and soak may be left in the pen at all times. However, the tortoise is certain to crawl in and foul the water as soon as you replace the fouled water with clean. Then, the tortoise will crawl out and drip water all over your substrate making a general mess. A hidden hazard with this method is that a clumsy tortoise may tip over in the water bowl and drown. An alternative method is to use a small bowl that may be kept full of clean water at all times.

If the bowl is too small for the tortoise to crawl into theoretically you reduce the chance of the tortoise defecating in the bowl. Unfortunately the tortoise does not know this and will crawl over the bowl, pause at the appropriate time, and foul the water. A practice that is used by many tortoise keepers is to 路not keep any water in the pen at all, but instead take the tortoise to water on a periodic basis. A good soaking in warm water once a week will provide adequate moisture for many tortoises and the wann water often acts as a mild laxative and keeps many messes out of the cage.

Part V - Diet: Diet is the subject of much debate and trial and error. Some practices that seem to contradict published guidelines work extremely well.

I have read in numerous articles the importance of limiting the protein intake of tortoises to promote good normal shell development, yet one of the largest producers of Leopard Tortoises says he feeds his babies nothing but monkey chow for the first year and he has a lower mortality rate on this diet than with anything else he has tried. Generally, depending of course on tbe species, a diet higb in a variety of greens with a good mixture of vegetables and some fruit is desired. Any mixture can be lightly sprinkled with good quality vitamins, but be careful to not overdo vitatnin supplements. In the summer many

MHS Newsletter Voillme 16 NlImber 1 Page 8 tortoises can be grazed it the backyard if it is chemical and predator free. One note of caution in grazing tortoises: tortoises are not efficient chewers and if allowed to graze on long uncut grass may develop an impacted digestive tract.

Quantity and quality are both factors in proper shell and bone development in tortoises. I have two female Elongated Tortoises that are captive hatched litter mates. They have been housed together and offered the same diet (which has varied over the years) since hatching. For some reason one tortoise does not consume as much food as the other. This "finicky" eater is a little bit smaller than the "chow hound" but more significantly has a much smoother and more natural appearing shell. A diet full of all the "good stuff" fed on a daily basis may not be as healthy as one that has a higher "roughage" content such as dandelion leaves and other greens.

I encourage other members who have had success or lack of success with various diets to write a short summary of those experiences and submit them to the MHS Newsletter. This is an ideal forum for us to learn from each other's experiences and further the advancement of the inexact science/art of tortoise keeping.

WE HAVE A GREAT SELECTION OF CAPTIVE BRED HERPS. CAIl.FORA COMPLETE LISTING!

JOHN & RUTH MELTZER (612) 263-7880

RPENT'S TALE NATURAL HISTORY BooK DISfRIBllTORS

ERIC THISS (612) 470-5008 FAX (612) 470-5013

464 Sewod

Street • Excelsior, MN 55331

Bibliography: Boycott, Richard C. and Bourquin, Ortwin. 1988.

SOUTH AFRICAN TORTOISE BOOK. Southern Book Pub!. Ltd. Cape Town, South Africa.

• Reptiles· Amphibians. Invertebrates· Small Mammals. Fish. Birds· Complete Line of Cages, Food. Books & Supplies for ALL Animals

Das, Indraneil. 1991. COLOUR GUIDE TO THE TURTLES AND TORTOISES OF THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT. R&A Pub!., Ltd. Somerset, England.

Ernst, Carl H. and Barbour, Roger W. 1989.

TURTLES OF THE WORLD. Smithsonian Institution Press. Washington, DC.

& 2363 University Ave. W., SI. Paul, MN 55114 (612) 647- 4479

Highfield, Andrew C. 1990. KEEPING AND BREEDING TORTOISES IN CAPTIVITY. R&A Pub!., Ltd. Somerset, England.

Highfield, Andrew C. 1994. TORTOISE TRUST GUIDE TO TORTOISES & TURTLES. Carapace Press. London, England.

Iverson, John B. 1992. A REVISED CHECKLIST WITH DISTRIBUTION MAPS OF THE TURTLES OF THE WORLD. Privately Printed. Richmond, IN. Pritchard, Peter C.H. 1979. ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TURTLES. T.F.H. Pub!. Neptune, NJ. Pursall, Brian. 1994. MEDITERREAN TORTOISES. T.F.H. Pub!. Neptune, NJ.

0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

F'.~,.;",

_ Bloomington VeterInary

Yl!~'ffiril Hospital, P.A. 8830 Lyndale Avenue South.

Bloomington, MN 55420 TEL: 884-3228 • FAX: 884-7357

J.A. Sweeney DVM

W.H. Sweeney DVM

Hospital Hours M-T-W-T 8:00 AM TO 9:00 PM FRIDAY 8:00 AM TO 6:00 PM SATURDAY 8:00 AM TO 1:00 PM

Please Ask For Dr. Weber

MHS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 1 Page 9

Snakes of Minnesota

by Jeff LeClere

Timber Rattlesnake Description: This is a large, venomous Minnesota species that is very heavy bodied and measures from 36 to 60 inches in length; the record is 74 112 inches (Conant and Collins, 1991). Timber Rattlesnakes have a diamond shaped head which is set off from their relatively thin neck.

The pupils of the eyes are elliptical in bright light and there is a heat-sensitive pit between the eye and nostril on both. sides of the head. Ground color may be variable, but a banded pattern is almost always present. Ground color may be yellow, with or without a rusty orange stripe down the center of the back, or gray or brown. There are black bands that run across the back for the entire length of the snake. These bands are from 2 to 4 scales wide with a space of about 4 to 6 scales between them and have a light border. The belly is usually the same color as the dorsal ground color and unmarked, except for some darker stippling on some specimens. The tail is solid black above and below with a tan rattle at the end. The scales are keeled and anal plate is single. The subcaudals are single instead of divided as in allhannless Minnesota snakes.

Young are patterned the same as the adults and are gray until their first shed. They are 10 to 13 inches in length at birth (Johnson, 1992).

Subspecies: Until the 1970's there were two recognized subspecies of Timber Rattlesnake; the southern or Canebrake Rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus atricaudatus, and the northern Timber, Crotalus horridus horridus. Most authorities now consider this snake to represent a single species as it has been found that most defmitive characteristics are shared by both former subspecies. Even so, the range of the Canebrake color morph did not include Minnesota.

Range: This species is found throughout most of the southeastern United States and ranges northward from Iowa into Minnesota and Wisconsin via a narrow band along the Mississippi River. In Minnesota, the species has been recorded from eight southeastern counties, but only.six of these may hold breeding populations at this time (Oldfield and Moriarty, 1994). It does not appear that any new records for this snake will turn up, although there are rumors of Rattlers around Mankato (Breckenridge, 1944 and Tom Jessen, pers. comm.).

However, while there is suitable Timber habitat in that region, it is most likely that such rumors are the result of encounters with Fox Sn akes, Elaphe vulpina; large, harmless Minnesota snakes that are very common in that area. In fact, some of the existing locality records for this species may unfortunately soon become obsolete due to habitat loss and human interference, activities to which Timber Rattlesnakes seem particularly sensitive to.

Crotalus horridus Habitat: Timber rattlesnakes live in the same habitat as Milk Snakes and Prairie Ringneck Snakes, in Minnesota, steep bluffs with rocky outcroppings.

These snakes favor south and southwest slopes of the bluffs and spend most of their time in the sunny open areas surrounded by forest. They hibernate in dens that travel into the sides of the bluff. They hibernate communally with other Timber Rattlesnakes as well as other species of snakes such as Bullsnakes, Milk Snakes, Black Rat Snakes, Racers, and, less commonly, Garters, Brown, Redbelly, and Ringneck snakes.

Habits: Timber Rattlesnakes are among the last snakes to emerge from hibernation in the spring, and among the first to retire to their winter retreats in the fall. They may bask around their den openings in late April, but they do not move away from their dens until May. . Many individuals move to other small, sunny opemngs of the bluff to spend therr summer. Others, particularly males, may travel some distance from the den sites (a few miles) deeper into the surrounding forest or into the lowland meadows and fannland. Still others may spend the entire summer near the den site, especially the gravid females. In the spring and fall, Timber Rattlesnakes are active during the day, and during the hot summer months, they become nocturnal.

Timbers appear to be lie and wait predators .. using many senses to detect prey. They have been observed to lie coiled up next to a fallen log with their head resting on the log. The log acts as a runway for rodents. As a rodent approaches, vibrations traveling through the log alert the snake of a possible meal.

Eyesight and the heat sensitive pits direct the strike (Oldfield and Moriarty, 1994).

Timber Rattlesnakes are surprisingly caim when encountered in the wild. Many will sit motionless hoping that you will not see them. If you do approach too closely, they may slither under a rock or into a crevice without rattling, unlike some other species of rattlesnakes which are more apt to stand their ground. Most of the specimens that I have found failed to sound their rattle, even when seriously molested, and did not attempt to bite.

The rattle is comprised of a series of horn-like segments that are loosely attached toone another.

When the tail is vibrated, these segments strike against one another to produce a buzzing sound. When a baby Timber is born it has a pre-button on the end of its tail.

With the first shed, the pre-button is lost and it is replaced by the first segment. Each time the snakes sheds thereafter, another segment is added, producing the rattle. Because the snake receives a new segment with every shed, one can not determine the snake's age by the length of its rattle. The rattle is also fragile and it is

MRS Newsletter Volllme 16 Number 1 Page /0

not uncommon for the snake to have a few of the last scgments brokcn off, to be replaced with more.

Timber Rattlesnakes breed in the spring or fall and are sexually mature in 5 to 7 years of age. Males may "combat" with other males. The two snakes intertwine the posterior portion of their bodies together while they raise t he anterior half into the air and try to push each other to the ground. The successful male will go on to breed with a female. The females breed every 2 to 4 years and may spend their gestation period near the hibernation dens. They do not eat during this period, but they spend much of their time basking.

They are ovoviviparous and give birth to about a half dozen young each enca~ed inside an individual membrane. The young are born in August or September and are IOta 13 inches in length.

Food: Timber Rattlesnakes mainly prey upon small mannmals. Mice, chipmunks, ground squirrels, voles, shrews, and squirrels comprise the majority of this snake's diet. Birds and bird's eggs (primarily ground nesters) are consumed at times.

Care: The Minnesota Herpetological Society does not encourage, recommend, nor promote the keeping of any species of venomous reptiles by the public. I have included this section only to be consistent with my past articles.

Timber rattlesnakes are not reconunended as captives for many good reasons. First, this snake is DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS and extreme caution must always be exercised around them. Second, most populations of Timber rattlesnakes need all of their members! There is no reliable way to determine that the one you buy is captive bred (not just captive born), and taking them from the wild yourself should be discouraged even if the population seems strong ..

Timber Rattlesnakes are listed as threatened in the State of Minnesota and permits are required to possess specimens.

A large, locking cage is recommended for Timbers. I like aquariums that bave the black screen covers that slide into runners built right onto the top edge of the aquarium. They come in 10, 20, 30, gallons, etc. and are available from most pet retailers.

They usually come with plastic pegs that will not only hold the lid in place, but have holes at the bottom so they can be padlocked. Newspaper is easy and quick to change as is Astroturf. Keep a bowl of fresh water available at all times. A hidebox is nice and sometimes necessary for the acclimation of some specimens.

Ventral heat is useful, but probably not necessary if the temperature in the cage can reach the mid-80's with a dome lannp. Most Timbers will greedily consume mice or small rats in captivity. Stubborn feeders may be offered wild mice, and they seem particularly fond of chipmunks or sixteen-lined ground squirrels.

These snakes are best kept singly to reduce stress and it is safer for the keeper as well. Timbers are usually mild mannered snakes, but do not let that affect how you handle them They may not rattle before

striking. Develop a protocol that allows for cleaning quickly and safely. Suggestions on the proper handling of venomous snakes can be found in Gerholdt, 1985.

I have not attempted to breed Timber Rattlesnakes in captivity and mucb of the following information comes from Rossi, 1992. Breeding is accomplished by a period of hibernation then placing pairs together in the spring. Rossi notes that females may breed evClY other year in captivity and that sexual maturity is reached in three to four years. The young should present no problems to feed, as many will take pinkies before their frrst shed. The babies are capable of delivering a serious bite at birth.

LITERATURE CITED: Breckenridge, Walter J. 1944. REPTfLES AND AMPHIBIANS OF MINNESOTA. Univ. of Minnesota Press. Minneapolis, MN. Conant, Roger and Collins, Josepb T. 1991. A FIELD GUIDE TO REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS OF EASTERN AND CENTRAL NORTH AMERICA, 3RD EDITION. Houghton Mifflin. Boston, MA. Gerhold~ Jannes E. 1985. KEEPING OF VENOMOUS SNAKES WITH NOTES ON HANDLING TECHNIQUES. Minn. Herp. Soc. Occas. Papers, Vol. I pp. 13-23. Minneapolis, MN.

Jessem, Tom. PERSONAL COMMUNICATION. 507 Broad, Apt. B, Mankato, MN 56001.

Johnson, Tom R. 1992. AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES OF MISSOURI. Conservation Commission of the State of Missouri. Jefferson City, MO. Oldfield, B. L. and J. J. Moriarty. 1994.

AMPHIBIANS AND REPTfLES NATIVE TO MINNESOTA. University of Minnesota Press.

Minneapolis, MN. Rossi, John V. 1992. SNAKES OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA: KEEPING THEM HEALTHY IN CAPTIVITY VOL. I EASTERN AREA. Krieger Publishing Co., Malabar, FL. Vogt, Richard Carl. 1981. NATURAL HISTORY OF THE AMPHIBIANS AND REPTfLES OF WISCONSIN. Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee, WI. 000000000000000000000000000000

MHS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 1 Page 11

ANNOUNCEMENT AND CALL FOR PAPERS SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 1996 at the Milwaukee Public Museum Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This will be the first meeting of the Great Lakes Working Group of the Declining Amphibian Populations Task Force (DAPTF). DAPTF is an international organization devoted to investigating the worldwide decline in amphibian populations. Regional working groups promote research and education, and act as information clearing houses. The Great Lakes region encompasses the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. The National Biological Service has also become involved and has initiated the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP).

TENTATJME AGENDA: The Great Lakes Declining Amphibians Conference will host paper sessions on amphibian decline, monitoring and education in our region. A discussion session is planned to address the recently distributed NAAMP white paper: PROTOCOLS AND STRATEGIES FOR MONITORING NORTH AMERICAN AMPHIBIANS, and apply it in our region. A goal is to reach a consensus and distribute a white paper on STANDARD SURVEY METHODS FOR AMPHIBIANS It:< THE GREAT LAKEs REGION. Persons interested in the monitoring plan can obtain the NAAMP white papers on the WorldWide WEB at http://www.im.nbs.gov/amphib/ naampintro.html; or by ftp from ftp://ftp.im.nbs.gov/pub/naamp/; or by contacting the conference coordinator below.

(JAIm FOR PAPERS: Presenters are invited to speak on any aspect of amphibian research, education or monitoring in the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin or Michigan. Abstracts with a tide, presenter name, address, and phone/fax/email numbers should be sent to the conference coordinator below. Abstracts sent by Email are greatly preferred.

REGISTRATION: Apre-registration fee of $5.00 payable to the Milwaukee Public Museum, Inc., should be sent to the conference coordinator, Gary S. Casper, Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 W Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53233. voice (414)278-2766. fax (414)278-6100. Email gsc@csd.uwm.edu

MHS Newsletter Volume 16 Number 1 Page 12

MHS Business Treasurer's Report

Board Meeting Highlights

Prepared by Marilyn Blasus

By Randy Blasus - Recording Secretary

Year Ending December 31, 1995 INCOME: 4,550.00 Membership 21.00 Library Fines 3,551.60 Donations Raffle 696.75 T-shirt Revenue 372.00 Small Items Revenue 51.00 Book Revenue 740.34 1,459.50 Rodent Revenue Photo Sales 385.00 White Snake Sale 1,465.50 Holiday Banquet 227.34 15.50 Miscellaneous 13,534.99 TOTAL INCOME:

The monthly meeting of the MHS Board of Directors was conducted on January 6th at Barb Radanke's home. A quorum was present. The board took the following action: A donation of $50 to FRAWG (Friends of the Rare Amphibians of the Western Ghats) was motioned and passed.

The yearly Audit wiII need to be performed soon.

A change in the Membership Secretaries duties now allows us to more easily and quickly update memberships.

Discussed were the upcoming White Snake Sale, over due books, White Pages, year end wrap-up of all business and Photo Contest.

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

EXPENSES: 4,407.60 Newsletter 520.47 Other Printing & Postage 1,302.98 Programs 220.00 Library 155.34 Supplies 172.66 Refreshments 200.00 Donations Frog Crossing Signs 90.00 320.26 May Symposium 806.91 Miscellaneous Camcorder Microphone 138.40 55.00 Newsletter Class 14.95 Check Printing 83.64 Coffee Mugs Bulk Mail Permit 85.00 Voice Mail Line 109.98 135.00 Picnic 284.24 Pet Fair & Hands On 816.32 Insurance 9,918.75 TOTAL EXPENSES: NET INCOME:

SOCIETY CONTRIBUTIONS

By Randy E. Blasus This is a list of the contributions made by the MHS during 1995.

Donation to Hennepin Parks of $200 for radio transntitters on their Blanding's Turtle project.

Paid $90 for one of the Frog Crossing signs used

by Hennepin Parks.

Partially funded the May symposium, Minnesota's Amphibians and Reptiles: Conservation and Status, at a cost of $320.

Provided manpower to help with Blanding's Turtle project at Camp Ripley.

Provided manpower to help and educate park personnel at Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge in South Dakota.

Items for fund raising auctions at the Midwest and SSAR meetings.

3,616.24

Statement of Changes in Financial Position Beginning Balance, Jan. 1, 1995 . Add Income: Subtract Expense: Net Increase (Decrease):

905.02 18,018.13 14,401.89 1,616.24 4,521.26

Ending Balance, Dec. 31, 1995: 1995 Placement of Cash Holdings Cash Holdings: Cash on Hand: Checking Account:

50.00 4,471.25

Total:

4,521.25

Plains Reptile P.O. Box 5818

Forgo, ND 58105

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

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LIST IN MRS DIRECTORY?

YES

NO ____

DATE OF BIRTH _ _ _ _ _ __

DRIVERLIC#

HERPRELATEDlNTERESTS: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___

TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP? MEMBERSHIP LEVEL?

NEW _ _ RENEWAL ___ ____SUSTAlNlNG ..... $60.00

INSTITUTION....$25.00

____CONTRlBUTING .....$30.00

_--.nBASIC ....$15.00

Are you currently (or will be) a University of Minnesota student? _ _(check if yes) HOW DID YOU HEAROFMHS? _____________________________________

NewDesign Bull Snake T-Shirts ($14.00 each includes postage) SMALL_

Indicate how many of each size MEDIUM_

LARGE_

X-LARGE___ XX-LARGE_

Please enclose payment. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE 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

MINNESOTA

Non-Profit Rate U. S. Postage

PAID

HERPETOLOGICAL

Mpls.MN Pennit No. 2275

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

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

+

1174 12/99 G Attn: MHS Recording Secretary 3224 Idaho Avenue S St. Louis Park, MN 55426

+

+

+ POSTMASTER: DATED MATERIAL