Vol. 18 (1998), No. 2

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY NEWSLEl'lER Vol. 18 No.2 FEBRUARY 1998

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY Newsletter Volume 18 Number 2 February 1998 The purpose of the Minnesota Herpetological Society is to : • further the education of the membership and the general public in care and captive propagation of reptiles and amphibians; • educate the members and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles and amphibians; • promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.

MHS Board of Directors President Vice president Recording Secretary Membership Secretary Treasurer Newsletter Editor Member at Large Member at Large Member at Large Member at Large Member at Large

George Richard Barbara Radanke Bruce Haig Mark Schmidtke Marilyn Blasus NancyHaig Fred Bosman Laurie Grassel James Rea Sarah Richard Roger Statz

(612) (612) (612) (612) (612) (612) (612) (612) (612) (612) (612)

639-6368 291-1132 434-8684 481-0127 925-4237 434-8684 476-0306 428-4625 457-8107 639-6326 424-8816

Herp Assistance Specific questions concerning amphibians and reptile are l:x!st answered by contacting the following individuals.

Please be reasonable about the time of day and how frequently you call.

Large Boas and Pythons Tina Cisewski (612) 856-2865

Other snakes Jeff LeClere John Meltzer

(612) 488-6388 (612) 263-7880

Terrestrial Turtles Fred Bosman John Levell

(612) 476-0306 (507) 467-3076

Aquatic Turtles Gary Ash John Levell

(612) 753-0218 (507) 467-3076

Lizards Nancy Haig Bill Moss

(612) 434-8684 (612) 488-1383

Crocodilians Jeff Lang

(701) 772-0227

Amphibians Greg Kvanbeek John Meltzer Special Conunittees: Adoption Chair Sarah Richard

Amphibians and reptiles in Minnesota (612) 388-0305 Greg Kvanbeek (612) 388-0305 (612) 263-7880 John Moriarty (612) 482-8109 UP NORTH (Bemidji) Jeff Korbel (218) 586-2588

(612) 639-6326

Snakebite Emergency Hennepin Co. Regional Poison Center (612) 347 - 3141 Minnesota Poison Control System Local: (612) 221-2113 Out of State: (800) 222 - 1222

Education Chair Sean Hewitt

(612) 935-5845

MHS Voice Mail (612) 624 -7065 E-mail: MinnHerps@aol.com Internet: http://www.onrampinc.netfmhsf 1be tvlinnesota Hetpetological Society Newsletter is published monthly by the Nlinnesota Herpetological Society. Publication deadline is the weekend of the general meeting. Submissions should be sent to: MHS Editor, c/o The Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104 Printed on r~cyded papef.

© Copyright Minnesota HerpetolOgical Society 1998. Contents may be reproduced (or non-profit use provided that all material is reproduced without change and proper ~...J.it is given authors and the MHS Newsletter citing; volUJll(>, number, and date.

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 2

News, Notes & Announcements Congratulations Photo Contest Winners !

Upcoming Meeting Highlights The Vice-President's Report

By Barbara Buzicky Radanke

The winners in the Photo Contest were for:

March Program: Annual Meeting & Australia in 40 Days Guest Speaker: Dan Nedrolo

Herps in a Natural Setting: 1" -Greg Kvanbek 2nd -Craig Renier 3,d -Dav Kaufman

The Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Herpetological Society will take place March 6, 1998.

The election of 1998 Board of Directors will held during the meeting. All MHS members are encouraged to attend.

Herps with People: 1" 2nd 3,d Miscellaneous Styles 1"

I hope everyone got some good bargains last month at the February White Snake Sale. There were some very special items! Something for everyone!

There was lots of activity and lots of fun. I'm looking forward to next year's sale already. So everyone save up. This sale is one of the major fund raising events that MHS has, so it is very important. 'We were fortunate last year to also have the Upper Midwest Event.

2nd

3,d

-John Levell -Merle Larson -Sean & Michelle Hewitt -Randy Blasus -Nancy Hakomaki -Sean & Michelle Hewitt

Winner of the People's Choice was: -Craig Renier Thanks to everyone who submitted photographs for the contest and to all members who attended the February meeting and voted for their favorites. There were a lot of excellent photos on display. Thank you Michelle Hewitt for coordinating the contest and presenting the prizes.

I would like to introduce March's speaker, and he is Dan Nedrolo. He lives in Wisconsin, and he is very active in the field of herpetology. He will be speaking to us about his trip to Australia last year.

He has many slides to show us along with many stories about his travels. This should be a very exciting lecture. He has spoken before our group several years ago.

Currently, he is in Florida working and going to meetings in the field of herpetology.

Newsletter Folding Want to help MHS save $828.00 per year? That is how much it would cost to pay a printer to assemble the newsletters. This is an important activity that is open to anyone who wants to volunteer an hour or so per month. And the work is easy: folding, stapling, taping, and labeling.

Volunteering is a great way to get to know fellow members.

This committee meets two weeks prior to the general meeting, Friday evening in room 335 Borlaug Hall, subject to rescheduling. Those who sign up will be phoned a day or two beforehand. Give it a try. For information, call James Rea at (612) 457-8107

Let's all give him a big welcome the MHS way as usual. This talk should be very interesting.

Thanks for much for attending the general meetings this last year. It has been very exciting and the talks have been very interesting.

If anyone has any suggestions for upcoming speakers or topics, please give me a call. Thanks!!

See you at the next meeting.

BAR

Donation from a Friend

Date: March 6,1998 Location: Borlaug Hall, Room 335, U of M. st. Paul Campus 7:00pm

Thank you to Kristine Hansen for a donation to MHS on behalf of her friend Heidi Davenport who " loves turtles and all other creatures".

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MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 2

Presidential Pabulum

February'S "Critter of the Month"

By George Richard - MHS President Do to the White Snake Sale there were no Critters for the month

With our annual meeting coming up in March, (and our annual elections) I'd like to take a moment to thank all the board members, committee heads and committee members for all their time and effort during the last year. These individuals have taken (or made) the time to help make the MHS what it is today.

Help A Hapless Herp Although no formal adoption presentation was held: 1 painted turtle 1 large female iguana

A good example of that might be the following story. One of the items that have been on the agenda several times this year has been a revision of the MHS policies and procedures. The procedures consisted of about 23 pages of often-contradictory statements, policies, position papers and judgements that the board USes as a guideline. When a problem arises that's not covered in the bylaws we look back to see what the board has decided earlier. To make a long story short we'd had a couple of spirited discussions, but with other matters taking up much of our time (Mugs will be maroon with white script this year), it looked as though we wouldn't be able to complete our task. It is a tribute to them that several members of the board (I was going to work) inunediately volunteered to be on a committee that would stay, work on the new procedures packet, and have it ready for the joint board meeting in March.

It is a tribute to their tenacity that they did so, on a Saturday afternoon, after a 3-hour board meeting that took up most of the morning. So life serving on the board is no bowl of cherries. On the other hand none of them would have stayed if the benefits didn't out weigh the difficulties.

a total of 2 animals found good homes Still needing a horne: 13 small to medium iguanas 1 Burmese pythons 1 red eared slider

Refreshments Informal donation of cookies Thanks to whoever made the donation, they were great.

White Snake Sale Donors Because of all the great items donated for the White Snake Sale and the participation of our members, MHS made $1,085.25 to help fund our next year.

Thanks to Corporate Donors: Exotic Aquatics - Terraformer (waterfall) "Herpetocultural Housecalls" - DVM services "The Pad" Reptile Shop - large glass critter cage Tropical Concepts - "Create-a-cage" ,gift certificates Remarkable Reptiles - gift certificate (program) UnderWater World Aquarium Store -gifts and jewerly

We all joined the society for different cornmon reasons and we all stay for the same different reasons. One of the things I like best about serving on the board is the diversity of opinions, expectations, interests and skills that different individuals bring and the enjoyment they take in them. That is the true strength of the MHS, it's volunteers, committee members, board members and officers, we enjoy what we do.

MHS members: Sean & Michele Hewitt, Marilyn & Randy Blasus, Jake and Donna, MHS Library, Dav Kaufman, George & Sarah Richard, Bill Moss, Liz Bosman, Jayde Seifert, John & Connie Levell, Greg Kvanbek, Cora Helmske, Merle & Jan Larsen, Jane Hain, Evan Morris, Ann Porwoll, Dennis Daly, Linda Johnson, Dean Bowman, John Moriarty,

I'll close with the statement that I hope you all enjoy the MHS and get out of it what you put into it.

If you really want to have fun, run for a board position or join a conunittee next time the call goes out. Just as we're glad to have you, you'll be glad to be here!!

and:

Thanks, George Richard

all the others who donated items but didn't sign the lists.

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MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 2

- March 6,1998

Annual Elections The Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Herpetological Society will be held March 6, 1998 at 7:00 PM in Room 335 Borlaug Hall on the University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus.

Article IX. : Student Chapters Section 9.01 Chapters. A student chapter may be formed by the full time students of a university or college in Minnesota.

Part of the Meeting will be the election of a new Board of Directors for 1998 as determined by our Bylaws. The Board of Directors performs the following duties:

Section 9.02 Officers and Duties. The officers of the student chapter shall consist of a President, Vice President and Treasurer. The duties of the student chapter officers shall be: A. President. Reserve the monthly meeting room for the society. Ensure that the student chapter maintains the minimum membership needed to remain an active student organization per University requirements.

B. Vice President. Maintain a list of active chapter members.

C. Treasurer. Collect monies as required for the operation of the student chapter. Pay University fees for chapter registration and meeting room charges.

Article IV. : Officers and Committees Section 4.01 Officers. The officers of MHS shall be President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Membership Secretary, Treasurer, and Newsletter Editor, all of whom shall be members of MHS in good standing.

Section 4.02 Term of Office. The officers and members-at-large elected at the Annual Meeting of MHS as hereafter provided, shall serve for a period of one (1) year. Officers may serve only two (2) terms consecutively. Newsletter Editor and Treasurer will have no limit to term length.

Section 9.03 Articles and Bylaws. TI,e student chapter shall adhere to all regulation of the MHS Bylaws.

Section 4.03 President. The President shall perform the duties of such office including chairing monthly membership meetings and Board of Directors. The President shall appoint all special and standing committee chairs subject to the approval of the Board of Directors Also, the President may establish such ad hoc, standing and special committees as may be required to further the work of MHS.

Slate of Candidates President -

George Richard

Vice President-

Bard Radanke

Recording Secretary-

Section 4.04 Vice President. The Vice President shall preside in the absence of the President, serve as program coordinator, and perform such duties as designated by the President.

Membership Secretary-

Section 4.05 Recording Secretary. The Recording Secretary shall keep the minutes of the meeting of the Board of Directors and of the proceedings of the members in appropriate books.

Treasurer -

Marilyn Brooks Bruce Haig

Newsletter Editor-

Nancy Haig

Member-at-large (5 positions) Laurie Grassel Sarah Richard

Section 4.06 Membership Secretary. The Membership Secretary shall give and serve all notices of MHS, shall keep the names and residences of the members, and maintain membership notices.

Section 4.07 Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be responsible for all funds and assets of MHS, payment of authorized accounts, present financial reports at Board of Directors meetings and the Annual Meeting, and submit the records for audit.

If you are interested rurming for one of these positions or would like to nominate someone for a position, please contact Mark Schmidtke (612 - 481 - 0127)

You must be present at the March 6, Annual Meeting in order to vote. Wear your name badge in order to receive your ballot.

Section 4.08 Newsletter Editor. The Newsletter Editor shall edit and produce the Newsletter of the Mhmesota Herpetological Society on a monthly basis.

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MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 2

VITA-MORTEM REPORT

AMedicaVEducationReport

by Dr. Janell Osborn

Tonight as I sit in the lab at 11:30 pm to start this article with the light of the computer and my sidelamp turned so that there is nothing but shadow on the Iguanas' Pineal eye. (that "third eye" on the top of the head between the other two eyes: the " cranial subrostral dorsal median" for you anatomists) ... and I think of Florida. - What an absolutely wonderful experience! I got down there in time for 2 1/2 days of solid reptile/ amphibian talks from some very fine clinicians such as: Dr. John Rossi (he was a speaker at the MW Symposium), Dr. Douglas Mader (the notorious), Dr. Karen Rosenthal (a very well-versed exotic med. clinician), Dr. Paul Raiti (President of the ARAV- Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians), Dr. Mark Stetter (Head of the new nonanimated Zoological exhibit at DisneyWorld), Dr.Scott Stahl (board certified in Zoological Medicine), and Dr. K Wright.

is what comes from the sun or a ceramic heat emitter.

If using a 250W heat lamp, it should be kept at least 2 feet from the enclosure. Many Iguanas will turn dark

when they are cold -or sick - this is one way they absorb more radiant heat; ie. dark colors tend to absorb heat.

Dr. Wright discussed Anamnesis - record keeping.

I have been working on a "concise, convenient mode of individual record keeping for reptiles". I have found that the easiest is a small memobook placed beside the cage with Ws own pen/ pencil. Everytime you look at your herp, write down what you did, what you saw, or even just what you thought (Makes a neat journal too!) The main things your veterinarian will want to know are: sex, last shed (details), last feces (hard to find in bark, I know), last meal and what it was, temperature variations, length of photoperiod (hours of lights on per day) and various enclosure details unless the enclosure is with the critter (or vice-versa). Did you quarantine the last acquisition - how long? Is this creature wild caught or captive born/hatched? Any cagemates? How often is it handled, if at all? Some of this can go on the back of the cover - cage dimensions, acquisition info, sex, name, etc. The rest can be listed by date.

So, on with some of the highlights (besides the Smother's Brothers and Church Street Station): The most notable item I came back with was the environment (my first adventure south!). The ground was warm and the morning gave humidity from the ground plants very well. Little brown iguanids (anole types) were scantering around the bush covers constantly. The sun was radiating.

If there is interest I can work on developing a form to be used for those of you who like to just fill in the blanks. Once the herp is seen by a veterinarian (and I would recommend it prior to letting it get too cozy with anybody else) most of the above information becomes part of the permanent medical record.

The other notality was the conference. Many very informative and medically educational topics were covered, but here are a couple that are vital to herp collections: Heat, Light, and Records.

Dr. Rossi recommends outdoor enclosures for iguanas (with an anti-hawk covering) - which are wonderful things during the Minnesota summer - and I will echo his avocation.

By the way, I did get to absorb UVB's during lunch and in front of the Atlantic Ocean the day before I came back. Wonderful.

THANK YOU to those who have come forward with questions and offers of help.

While discussing Reptile emergency and antibacterial therapy, Dr. Mader discussed the difference and importance of heat radiation. In short I reiterate to you: throwaway the hot rocks (at least cut off the cord). Not only do hot rocks greatly increase your risk of seeing your veterinarian with severe and sometimes fatal burns on your herp, but they operate on conduction heat (direct transfer of heat). Reptiles have a BEHAVIORAL style of thermoregulation. They have never LEARNED to remove their body parts from a hot surface - rocks in nature never get quite as hot as a burner (e.g. hot rock on the blitz and some working normally). The other two forms of heat are convection heat (like a hot air balloon) and radiation heat; which

LOOK FOR a "Spring Thaw" in April or May for those of you who have critters saved for necropsy.

Rumor has it we will follow with a "hot tub cleansing"!

- for the humans.

Oh, Yes: It's getting to be reptile EGG LAYING TIME -keep the calcium & UVB's up! -Watch for egg binding - they don't need a male to lay eggs, just to make the eggs fertile!

Adieu, Janel! Osborn, D.V.M 4

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 2

OUR DOLLARS AT WORK $1500.00 - Research. DNA Study of the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) in the Upper Mississippi River Valley of Minnesota.

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

The Timber Rattlesnake has the greatest geographic range of all North American Rattlesnakes and the species is currently being evaluated for possible federal protection due to declines in its habitat and numbers.

DNA information from eastern/ southern range specinlens demonstrates a strong homogeneity suggesting that subspecies may not truly exist. This information becomes very important when developing Conservation Action Plans for a species as it provides for a well-defmed description of the species to be protected. There is no existing DNA information on Tinlber Rattlesnakes in MiIlnesota.

The purpose of this study will be to analyze the DNA of blood samples from Tinlber Rattlesnake specimens in southeastern MiIlnesota counties and compare them with blood DNA profiles from Timber Rattlesnakes of other geographic regions of the United States.

TIlis data wiII be used by an official federal committee, the Tinlber Rattlesnake Conservation Action Plan Committee (IRCAP), in the preparation of a federal document which will serve to provide Tinlber Rattlesnake protection strategies and guidelines for all states in which the species is indigenous. It is the first document of its kind as it deals with protection of a venomous species at the federal level. The TRCAP is under tile supervision of tile United States Fish & Wildlife Service.

Until 1989, there was a bounty on rattlesnakes in MiIlnesota. The MHS worked with tile legislature to repeal the bounty. The Timber Rattlesnake is now considered a Threatened species in tile state of MiIlnesota.

The work for this project will be done by Dr. Dan Keyler, Toxicologist at Hennepin County Medical Center, and Kinlberly Fuller, Conservation Biologist at Mayo Laboratories. The MHS donation is the sole source of funding for this project, which should be completed in 1999.

If you would like more information about this project or would like to make a personal donation contact

While many worthwhile projects were submitted for funding requests, the Board of Directors felt the greatest returns would be for money spent on habitat protection, research and public education. The Board selected the following projects for direct funding: $2250.00- Habitat protection. Land acquisition.

The Nature Conservancy- Minnesota Chapter.

The Nature Conservancy is a non-profit, taxexempt organization founded in 1951 for scientific and educational purposes. Its mission is to preserve plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. The Conservancy is responsible for the protection of more than 10 million acres in 50 states and Canada and owns more than 1,600 preserves; it is the largest private system of nature sanctuaries in the world. (Nature COllseroallcyMarch / April 1998).

The Minnesota Chapter was founded in 1958 and is a statewide agency protecting over 250,000 acres through outright purchases, conservation easements or voluntary agreements. TI,e Chapter manages over 25,600 acres in 52 preserves.

The Conservancy acquired most of the Weaver Dunes Preserve in 1980 and later the MNDNR established the Kellogg-Weaver Dunes Scientific and Natural Area about a half mile to the north. In 1997 the Conservancy purchased a key addition of 102 acres to include a migration route for Blanding's Turtles.

The Blanding's TurtIe is considered a 11lreatened Species in the state of Minnesota because of habitat destruction mainly in the form of fragmentation. The MHS donation will help pay for this land purchase and help ensure adequate ranges for this far-roanling species.

If you would like more information about The Nature Conservancy or would like to make a personal donation contact: The Nature Conservancy of MiImesota 1313 Fifth Street SE, Room 320 Minneapolis, MN 55414-1588 612- 331- 0750 http://www.tnc.org

Dr. Dan Keyler Hennepin Co. Med. Ctr. & MiIlneapolis Medical Research Foundation 701 Park Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55415 5

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 2

OUR DOLLARS AT WORK $1000.00 -Conservation & Ecology. Blanding's Turtle Workshop

$500.00 -Public Education. Frog and Toad Call Identification Tape

A four day workshop on the ecology and conservation of Blanding's Turtles to be held May 6-9, 1998 at the Bell Museum. There will be field trips to Camp Ripley and Weaver Dunes. This meeting will bring all the major Blanding's Turtle researchers from the United State and Canada together to discuss the future of this Threatened Species. The meeting will highIight the need for increased habitat protection and acquisition.

1be MHS donation identifies us as sponsors with the United States Fish & Wildlife Service, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy, and the Chelonian Research Foundation.

The meetings at the Bell are open to all interested people. Field trip slots may be available to nonparticipants, if there is space. More information will be published concerning the workshop as it becomes available.

The Minnesota Frog Watch, part of the Center for Global Environmental Education, Harnline University Graduate School, is producing a new Minnesota Frog and Toad Tape for use with the Anuran Call Surveys. The tape will be specific to Minnesota and will be available for sale to non-survey participants.

$900.00 -Research. Juvenile Blanding's Turtle

Study A small population of Blanding's Turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) in south central Wisconsin has been the subject of a study for the past four years. Radio telemetry has been employed on several adults to collect data on movement patterns, reproduction, body temperatures, hIbernating site choices and habitat use. In 1997, two clutches of eggs were collected and are being lab reared. These offspring will be released in 1998. Such "head starting" programs are often attempted, but are rarely monitored for success.

The purpose of this project is to radio tag up to 6 juvenile turtles, and track their movement and activity.

This will allow the success of head starting to be assessed, and yield insight into juvenile mortality, whIch is suspected to be a major factor in the conservation of this population. Funding is sought for transmitter purchases, whIch will have a useful life of 6 months.

Additional funding will be sought for refurbishing transmitters and continuing the study into 1999.

The MHS donation will be matched by the Mallard Ridge Recycling and Disposal Facility, whIch has been sponsoring this study since 1994.

If you would like more information about this project or would like to make a personal donation contact Gary S. Casper, Section of Vertebrate Zoology, Milwaukee Public Museum 800 W. Wells St. 6 Milwaukee, WI 53233

The MHS donation will list us as co-sponsors with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Minnesota Frog Watch. $100.00 -Public Education. State Amphibian and Reptile Designation

The Minnesota Frog Watch is initiating an effort to get an official State Amphibian and Reptile in the 1998 legislative session. Lobbying of legislators will be mainly done by schools children and private citizens.

The MHS donation shows support for this effort by helping to offset some of the costs incurred by printing, postage, and buttons.

If you would like more information about the Minnesota Frog Watch, either of these projects or would like to make a personal donation contact: Minnesota Frog Watch 3800 Co. Rd. 24 Maple Plain, MN 55359 Frogs@tc.urnn.edu

$500.00 -Public Education. Frog and Toad

Leaflet The Bell Museum is producing a leaflet on the Frogs and Toads of Minnesota. This will be similar to the Turtles of Minnesota leaflet It will highlight identification, ecology and conservation of Minnesota's Frogs and Toads.

The MHS donation will list us as providing funding along with the Minnesota Nongame Wildlife Program. The MHS will also be listed, complete with address as a contact for additional information.

For more information concerning The Bell Museum contact: James Ford Bell Museum of Natural History 10 Church St. S.E. University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN 55455-0145 612-624-7083

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 2

OUR DOLLARS AT WORK $500.00 - Public Education. Lanesboro's Living Museum of Natural History

$250.00 - Research.

Filmore Co. MN.

Lanesboro is located about 21/2 hours south of the Twin Cities in Filmore County. It is a small picturesque town on the Root River State Trail and a major tourist destination for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.

The Lanesboro Living Museum of Natural History is located in the basement of the Lanesboro Historical Museum with access to the Trail.

Filmore County is located in the southeastern corner of Minnesota, part of the "B1uffland Counties."

The MNDNR County Biological Survey Program completed a one year survey in 1996 but mainly concentrated on state owned properties. Distributional data is largely confined to the publications of Oldfield and Moriarty (1994), Lang (1982), Henderson (1980) and Breckenridge (1944). Recent records are relatively scarce with many common species not being reliably reported since 1%0.

The objective of the "Living Museum" is to foster an awareness and appreciation of nature and the natural environment; provide information on the identification, lile history, habits and value of native animals and plants and on their role in the local ecosystem; illustrate the diversity of regional habitats and demonstrate the relationship of local ecosystems to the overall mosaic of the planet's environment; and provide educational entertainment and conservation oriented activities in southeastern Minnesota.

Herpetological Survey,

Filmore County possesses a fair amount of Bluff country topography and remnant Maple-Basswood Deciduous Forest in the east, while flattening out to the west in glacial ground moraines with typical Oak Woodland/Brushland vegetational transition zones and prairie openings. Although standing bodies of water are rare (Filmore is the only Minnesota County without a natural lake) the north, middle and south branches of the Root River bisect the landscape.

Filmore County records exist for 24 amphibians and reptiles and an additional 16 species have been reported from the surrounding Minnesota and Iowa Counties. At least 6 of these species can reasonably be expected to occur in Filmore County.

Established in Spring of 1997, the museum is in its early stages of outfitting and organizing. Plans include non-living dioramas and exhibits (fossils, artifacts, scale models); living exhibits (indoor pond, aquariums, terrariums); hands-on exhibits; photographs and artwork; and outdoor exhibits. A small gilt shop and reading resource area is also planned. The Living Museum would also be establishing itself as a regional information resource and a question and answer hotline.

NorthStar Herpetological Associates has begun a verification of existing records, finding 16 of the 24 already reported species in 1997, and one previously unrecorded species. Further field studies are needed to continue the verification of existing species and to create individual locality maps for each species. The 1998 field investigations will concentrate on the western portions of Filmore County.

Part of the design calls for a large display aquarium needing a pump and filtration system. The MHS donation should cover the basic set-up of this display.

Further inqumes concerning the needs of the "Living Museum" can be directed to the address below.

They can use donations of supply items, fixturings, display items or cash donations.

The MHS donation will cover some of the major expenses of the 1998 field study, (transportation costs, permits & license fee, camping and lodging). To obtain further information concerning the Herpetological Survey of Filmore County 1998, or to make a personal donation to the survey contact

Lanesboro's Living Museum of Natural History P.O. Box 389 105'h Parkway Ave. S. Lanesboro, MN 55949-0389 (507) 467-2167

NorthStar Herpetological Associates John P. Levell & Connie 1. Levell P.O. Box 389 Lanesboro, MN.55949-0389 (507) 467-3076

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MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 2

The Herpin' Lifestyle How to choose your herps -By Greg Kvanhek

One night, I received a call from a high school girl who was working on a report for her class. The report was about snakes, and she wanted to ask me a few questions. After asking me some very basic questions, such as "What does a snake use its tongue for?" and "What do snakes eat?", she asked me what species made the best pet. Without hesitation, 1 told her that corn snakes make the best pet. She began laughing hysterically.

One of the more appealing aspects of the herpetology hobby is the keeping and breeding of amphibians and reptiles, also known as "herpetoculture". (perhaps you're thinking, "Duh! Herpetoculture is the herpetology hobby." If that's what you think, you ain't been herpin') One of the most difficult things about keeping herps has always been, for me, choosing which species to keep. For some, I suppose, this is an easy decision. They know what they like. Others are tormented by indecision, continuously buying, selling and trading animals, trying to find themselves, herpetologically speaking.

Much, I believe, depends on how one first becomes interested in herps. Some herp keepers began as I did; looking for herps at a very young age and gradually learning to keep them alive in captivity for increasingly longer periods of time. We sometimes were able to get inexpensive specimens from pet stores (if we could get our moms to drive us there), and eventually formed preferences for certain species.

These preferences were based on a variety of factors: size, hardiness, disposition, ease of breeding, handleablity, and so forth. Although this may sound pretty biased, I'd have to say that I think this way is the best. Of the herpers that 1 know, those that have had a lifelong interest in herps seem to be much more open minded and diverse than those who did not get into herps until reaching adulthood.

Those that did not get into herp keeping until adulthood, however, have some pretty distinct advantages. They have the money to get pretty much whatever types of herps they want. They have access to a tremendous amount of information in the forms of books, magazines, and advice from other herp enthusiasts. As a result, they often buy expensive and exotic species right away, without having to go through the " apprentice" phase. Some are drawn inunediately to the idea of getting rich by breeding, and choose species that seem to have the most economic potential. Unfortunately, doing the math and dreaming about those big dollars is much easier than actually making a living breeding herps. Other beginning herp keepers seem to be mostly interested in impressing their friends, and go right for the big stuff, usually boas, pythons, and iguanas. I've heard these types referred to as members of the "Look at me, I've got a big snake!" group. Sometimes they become what 1 would term "herp snobs", becoming conceited and somewhat disdainful of those who keep more conmlon species. Often their interest in herps is short lived, because they chose herps for the wrong reasons, and not because they really loved the animals.

I guess I didn't get the joke at first After confirming that yes, I said that 1 thought corn snakes make the best pet, she laughed some more.

"What's wrong with corn snakes?" I asked" somewhat defensively. "They're hardy, inexpensive, good-looking, just the right size for handling ... " "Corn snakes!" The laughter continued. What should 1 have told her? Diamondback rattlesnakes?

Reticulated pythons, preferably at least 20 feet?

Obviously, she realized that 1 was a geek, who knew nothing about" cool" snakes. At this point, she had no more questions. 1 suppose that she called the "large boas and pythons" person after hanging up with me.

This event almost perfectly illustrates the prevailing attitude among many neophyte herp keepers. This girl's herpetological knowledge was clearly limited, yet she knew that there must be something wrong with someone who would consider a mere corn snake to be the ideal "pet" snake (1 don't really consider herps to be pets in the traditional sense, but 1 couldn't think of a better word).

A good friend of mine, who is a very successful herp breeder, used to keep a fair number of garter snakes, because he liked them. They did well for him, and reproduced on a number of occasions. 1 doubt that he ever made any money from them, but that wasn't why he kept them. Yet he was frequently derided by other breeders for keeping "lowly" garter snakes.

Another friend of mine once told me that he was selling his normal carpet pythons and getting" jungle" carpets. He told me that "Normal carpets are simply not appropriate for someone of my Stature." (Uhh, you have a stature?)

Another individual I know, who is interested in monitors, liked to say that he had "graduated" from savannall monitors. (1 have a savannall monitor. 1 have not graduated) Once, my friend Dav Kaufman and I (1 sure know how to make it sound like 1 have a lot of friends, don't I?) were having a deep conversation on this very topic. As I recall, Dav was trying to chose those herps, 8

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 2 ARAV Annual Meeting cont'd

The Herpin' Lifestyle

Infectious diseases continue to be a major cause of illness in reptiles and amphibians. Signfficant updates were given on Inclusion Body Disease, a viral disease of the boid snakes; and Mycoplasmosis, a bacterial disease of tortoises. A discussion of the various problems associated with Salmonella and reptiles led to a lively debate that will likely continue for years to come. A newly described infectious disease of bearded dragons, caIled Microsporidiosis, was also reported.

How to choose your herps -cont'd mostly colubrid snakes, that were "in vogue" (or on "the cutting edge of herpetoculture" for you Vivarium readers). My advice to Dav was that if he wanted to keep milk snakes, he should keep milksnakes; if he wanted to keep geckos, he should keep geckos; if he wanted to keep mink frogs, he should keep mink frogs.

"You know, that's a good idea. Maybe I'll start keeping mink frogs" Dav replied, missing my point entirely.

Techniques for diagnosing disease in herps continue to improve. It has become commonplace to perform blood work, x-rays, and microbiology testing on ill reptiles and amphibians. In addition, advanced diagnostic techniques such as ultrasound, endoscopy, and nuclear scintigraphy are being used. Several lectures were presented to acquaint practitioners with these techniques.

So my advice to you, (let's pretend that you want my advice) is simply to keep want you want to keep, native, exotic, cheap, expensive, or whatever.

Familiarize yourself with the animals before you get them. Keep those species that you really like, and don't ovenvhelm yourself by trying to accumulate a large "collection". You will enjoy your critters much more.

Medical treatment for herps also continues to improve. Lectures on the treatment of liver diseases in tortoises, kidney diseases in lizards, bone infections, eye disorders, and pediatric care of turtles were presented. Advanced techniques for management of ill animals such as intraosseus catheter use, specialized fluid use, and surgically-placed feeding tubes were described.

I'm thinking about making "The Herpin' Lifestyle" a regular, or semi-regular, feature of this newsletter. Depends on whether or not anyone reads it, I guess. I'd like to deal with a variety of herpetological subjects (not just herpetoculture). To explain the title, weIl, if you don't know what the herpin' lifestyle is, then you're ain't livin' it. You may remember a few articles written awhile back by Dav Kaufman under the same title .. Not to worry. I would lIever plagiarize someone else's title, especially not my 01' herpin' buddy Dav. Dav and I (mostly I) sort of coined the phrase together on a herping trip. Because we live the herpin' lifestyle.

Many other topics were discussed over the course of the five day meeting including captive care of chameleons and other arboreal lizards, cryptosporidious in lizards and snakes, and bloodclotting in tortoises. It is notable that the discussions not only focused on "pet" herps, but often were prinlarily directed at conservation of free-ranging reptiles such as sea turtles and desert tortoises. Clearly the field of herpetological medicine is progressing rapidly.

Membership in the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian VeterinariarlS is not limited to veterinarians. Anyone with an interest in reptiles and amphibiarlS is encouraged to become a member.

Membership includes subscription to the quarterly ARAV Bulletin, a copy of the annual meeting proceedings and discounted registration rate for the annual meeting. The 1998 meeting is set for October in KarlSas City. For membership information contact

ARAV Annual Meeting Contributed by Charles J. Innis, VMD

The Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians held its fourtl, arumal meeting recently in Houston, Texas. The meeting was attended by over 200 veterinariarlS, veterinary. students, and herpetologists from thirteen countries, including Hong Kong, Kenya, Argentina, and Australia. The conference consisted of three days of lectures and two days of "hands-on" work focussing on a wide variety of topics.

Dr. Wilbur Amand, ARAV Executive Director 1 Smithbridge Rd. POBox 605 Chester Heights, PA 19017 9

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 2

Classified Advertisements 1.0.0 = male, 0.1.0 = female, 0.0.1

=

unsexed, cb = captive bred, abo = or best offer

For Sale:

Wanted:

Oassified ads are free to the membership. Deadline is the night of the general meeting to re included in the next newsletter. Contact Nancy Haig 434-8684 to leave ad or mail to: MHS Editor, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St., SE, Mirmeapolis, "MN,

Employment: looking for a local teenager, Highland or Macalaster-Groveland neighborhood in St. Paul or surrounding area, interested in regular weekly employment assisting with the care of reptile collection. Steph Porter 690-2589

55455

Baby Giant Day Geckos, Pileisuma m. gralldis, $25.00 Call Craig 934-7239 0.1.0 Bearded Dragon: June '95 hatch, very healthy, good temperament. $150 or offer. 1.0.0 Girdled Lizard: unknown age, nice small display lizard. $15.

Michael 754-8241 0.0.1 Bullsnake, Pih/Opilis melalloieueus, cb Sept 3, 1997, feeding on pinkies. $20.00 Contact Gordon Merck (612) 531-8256

(Chamaeleo eaZyptratus), Veiled Chameleons, hatched Oct. 97,- Males & Females, very healthy- Guaranteed. $40.00 each. Contact Vern 428-4625 Jackson Chameleon (C/lOmeZeo jaeksollii) Captive bred Male, 2 month old $60.00 Call Vern 428 -4625 Brazilian Rainbow Boas, Epicrates e. emellria, born 21 November 1997, well-started babies with pink, purple & orange highlights. $175. Steph Porter (612) 690-2589 1.0 adult black ratsnake, $40.; 1.0 adult amenanistic bullsnake, $100.; 1.1 adult amelanistic cornsnakes, $100. Pair; 1.1 adult het. for amelanism cornsnakes, $80. Pair; 1.2 adult Colombian rainbow boas, $300.

Trio; 1.2 adult Brazilian rainbow boas, $750. Trio; 1.2 adult Hogg Island boas, $900. Trio; All are proven breeders. 1.2 CB 96 bullsnakes- male is amelanistic, females are unrelated "high yellow" hets, $200. Trio; 1.3 CB 95 Argentine rainbow boas, $600. Group; 0.2 CB 96 Durneril's boas, $600. For both; 0.0.9 Giant Day Geckos, $20. Each. Mark Wendling, (319)- 857 -4787 2 yr. old Red-foot tortoise $1501 (abo), 1.1 adult snow corns $200. 1.1 adult ghost corns $200. Call to see what other phases of corns I have for sale, too. Ca1l1800- 627- 3529 and have them ask for Marty at (507) 334-0463.

Frozen Rabbits - all sizes. Prices very reasonablepinkies to adults. Jim Daluge (612) 295-2818

Help with moving: Expecting to move sometime toward the end of March. If you can help please contact Gordon Merck (612) 531-8256

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Jim'. Rabbit Shack Where Spots Are Tops

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Monllc.llo. MN 55362 (612) 295-2818

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MHS Rodent Sales Mice Pinkies $6.00 dozen Fuzzies $6.00 dozen Hoppers $7.50 dozen Adults $9.00 dozen

Rats Small Pups $10.00 dozen Large Pups $15.00 dozen Adults $12.00 six $24.00 dozen

If you want your own costume for Renaissance

For pick up at monthly meetings only. Orders must be placed at least one week in advance of date of meeting at which the frozen rodents are to be delivered. Place orders with Tina (Rat Girl) Cisewski at (612) 856-2865..

Festival, contact Michelle Hewitt (935 -5845). Orders taken from now until June. Need to provide all the materials or reimburse me for them. Mostly peasant.

Fee based on order, costume quality

All proceeds go toward the operating costs of the society.

The MHS is a completely volunteer run, non~profit organization.

Renaissance Festival Goers

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Advertising Policies MHS Ad Policy: The MHS assumes NO RESPONSIBILITY regarding the health or legality of any animal, or the quality or legality of any product or service advertised in the MHS Newsletter. Any ad may be rejected at the discretion of ti,e Newsletter Editor.

Due to space limitations, unpaid and complimentary advertisements are subject to occasional omission,

MHS Meeting Location

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA- ST. PAUL CAMPUS

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Meetings are the 1" Friday of the month.

Rm. 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M SI. Paul Campus Start time: 7:00 p.m.

MHS Voicemail: (612) 624 - 7065 Internet: http://www.onrampinc.netlmhs/

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Submissions: All advertisements should be submitted to the MHS Editor, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church SI. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Deadline is the night of the General Meeting for inclusion in the next newsletter. Make checks payable to: Minnesota Herpetological Society

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Classified Ads: All active members are allowed a classified ad, run free of charge as space permits. Ads may be rill' (3) consecutive months, after which time they may be resubmitted. Corresponding members are allowed a complimentary business card advertisement monthly as space permits.

Display Ad Rates: Ad Size per Month $10.00 '4 page ],2 page $20.00 $40.00 full page Business card advertisements may be purchased at $5.00 per ad, per month.

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Membershi #

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Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ____ Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___ City_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ State Phone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ email

Zip _ _ _ _ _ __ List in MHS Directory? _ _ Yes _ _ No

Herp related interests _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___ Active Memberships: _ _ _ Sustaining ($60/yr)

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Contributing ($30/yr) _ _ _ Basic ($15/yr)

Corresponding Memberships: _ _ _ Gold Commercial ($1 OO/yr 2 full pg. ads) _ _ _ Bronze Commercial ($50/yr 2 1/4pg ads)

_ _ _ Silver Commercial ($75/yr 21/2 pg. ads) _ _ _ Basic Commercial ($25/yr 2 Bus cards)

Required check in!. Drivers Lic # State DOB _ _ _ _ __ Please enclose the proper payment with your application. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Membership is for 12 months from the date of approval, a receipt will be sent only upon request. MAIL TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Please allow 6 - 8 weeks for processing.

Non-Profit Rate U.S. Postage

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

PAID Mpls,MN Permit No. 2275

BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREET SE, MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

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