Vol. 23 (2003), No. 10

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE

s

OCTOBER 2005

o

c

VOLUME 25

I

T

NUMBER

10

Board of Directors President Randy Blasus

Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church Street Southeast, Minneapolis Minnesota 55455-0104 952.925,4237

reblas@msn.com Vice President Tony Gamble

763.424.2803 Igamble@attbl.com

The

s

Minnesota o

Herpeto logical • 1

c

e

t

y

Recording Secretary

Bam Buzlcky

612·916·7575

llzbuzzi@aoi.com Membership Secretary Nancy Hakomaki gatorgal@boxfrog.com Treasurer

Marilyn Blasus

651.341.5707

MHS We bpage: http.lIwww.bellmuseum.org/heroetology/Main.html MHS Group Email: http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/mnherpsoc.

Voice Mail: 612.624.7065

952.925.4237 .............................................................._ ...._ _ _................................._ _.....

b!asus@msn.com

October 2003

Newsletter Editor

Bill Moss

651.488.1383

mngatorguy@msn.com Members at Large

Heather Clayton

612.788.4664

heethuh@aol.com Brian Ingbretson Ingallzard@yahoo.com

763.572.0487

Heather fngbrelson 763.572.0487 h_lngbretson@yahoo.com Immediate Past President Jodi L. Aherns 612.588.9329 groundgeckofreak@yahoo.com

Committees Adoption Sarah Richard

612.781.9544 RealSarah@aol.com

Education Jan larson

507.263.4391

Volume 23

Number 10

The Purpose of the Minnesota Herpetological Society is to: • Further the education of the membership and the general public in care and captive propagation of reptiles and amphibians; • Educate the members and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles and amphibians; • Promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.

The Minnesota Herpetological Society is a non· profit, tax· exempt organization.

Membership is open to all individuals with an interest in amphibians and reptiles. The Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter is published monthly to provide its members with information concerning the society's activities and a media for exchanging information, opinions and resources.

General Meetings are held at Borlaug Hall, Room 335 on the st. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota, on the first Friday of each month (unless there is a holiday conflict). The meeting starts at 7:00pm and lasts about three hours. Please check the MHS Voice mail for changes in schedules or cancellations.

Jan.skunkhollow@juno.com Northern Minnesota

Jeff Korbel

218.586.2588

L!!llim: Beth Girard

763.691.1650 bg!rard@worldnet.alt.net

Webmaster Anke Reinders theMHSwebmaster@yahoo.com

Herp Assistance Amphibians Greg Kvanbek John Meltzer John Moriarty

651.388.0305 763.263.7880 651,482.8109

Chameleons Vern & Laurie Grassel

763-428-4625

Crocodilians Jeff Lang Bill Moss

Submissions to the Newsletter Ads or Notices must be submitted no later than the night of the General Meeting to be included in the next issue. Longer articles will be printed as time and space allows and should be in electronic file format if possible. The business card rate is $5/month.

Submissions may be sent to: -or-

The Minnesota Herpetological Society Attn: Newsletter Editor Bell museum of Natural History 10 Church st. SE. Minneapolis, MN 55455.0104

Bill Moss 75 Geranium Ave East Saint Paul, MN 55117 -ormngatorguy@msn.com

701.772.0227

651.488.1383

lizards Nancy Halg Heather Matson

763.434.8684 612.554.8446

Large Boas P}ctMM Tina Cisewski

612.856.2865

Other Snakes Jeff Leclere John Meltzer

651.488.6388 763.263.7880

Aquatic Turtles Gary Ash John Levell

763.753.0218 507.467.3076

Te[r~!dgr

Tuares Fred Bosman John Levell

763,476.0306 507,467.3076

Copyright 2003, Minnesota Herpetological Society. Except where noted, contents may be reproduced for nonprofit, non-commercial use only. All material must be reproduced without change. Proper credit will be given including the author/photographer and the MHS Newsletter citing: volume, number and date.

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The Vice-presidents report

By Tony Gamble

October General Meeting Friday, October 3rd, 2003 7:00

PM Program:

Post-Mortem Examination of Reptiles: How the Herpetoculturist Can Contribute to Our Knowledge of Reptile Diseases.

reptile keeper for most of his life, and is particularly interested in turtles and tortoises. He is in private practice at VCA Westboro Animal Hospital in Westboro, Massachusetts.

He is also a Clinical Instructor of Comparative Medicine atTufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. His current interest is focused on biology and diseases of Southeast Asian turtles and tortoises. He has been an active member of the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) for the past eight years, and served as President of the organization for 2001-2002. He is team leader for the Taxon Management groups of

the IUCN/SSP/TSA for the Sulawesi Forest Turtle (Leucocephalon yuwono/) and the Impressed tortoise (Manouria impressa). Dr. Innes has also published numerous journal articles and written chapters for the Veterinary Clinics of North America, and the textbook "Reptile Medicine and Surgery". He is coauthor and co-editor of the book "Veterinary Management of Tortoises and Turtles" to be published in 2004.

Reminder: Dr. Innes is in town for the 10th Annual Conference of the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) being held in Minneapolis Oct. 5-

9.

Guest Speaker: Charles Innis, DVM

Our knowledge of reptile diseases is fairly limited and there is little funding available to pay for large-scale research projects for reptile diseases. Postmortem examination of reptiles offers a chance to learn about anatomy and disease conditions of reptiles, and may help to discover new diseases.

Dr. Innis' lecture will discuss the importance of post-mortem examination of reptiles, and provide examples of diseases that have been recently discovered. Note to the squeamish: Don't worry, no animal ,; bodies will be used in this lec- . ture, just pictures.

Upcom Meetings:

ng

November, 2003: Tim Watkins - TBA

December, 2003: Paul Freed Venomous Snakes of the World

Holiday Banquet: Paul Freed: 25 years of herps at the Houston zoo

ยง

Dr. Innis has been an active Rubber Boa (Charina bollae) Page 3

rIllC Newsletter of the 1.'iinnesola HCIl)ctological Society

October 2003

Volume 23

Number 10

News, Notes & Announcements KIDS KORNER

by Barb Buzicky

Adoption Report

Committee

by Sarah Richard, Adoption Chair

We took in 14 animals bringing our total for the year to 127 compared to 232 last year at the same time.

Of those we placed six, five snakes and one Iguana. None of the turtles found homes.

Call for Original Artwork for the Holiday Banquet Gordon Merck, the MHS Holiday Banquet Chairperson, is asking the artists among the group for a donation of artwork to be raffled as a major prize at our banquet in December. The work can be in any media and should feature (what else?) herps.

Your time will count as MHS volunteer hours. This mavalso qualify as a donation to a non-profit organization.

I would like to see if the younger members of MHS would like to submit articles for my new addition to the newsletter called "KIDS KORNER." This column would be for articles written by our younger members (under 18 years old) in the general interest area. Let me know how you got into reptiles or tell me about the reptiles you have.

Or, how about what you have learned from coming to our meetings, or anything else you would like to share with our readers.

Further, I would like to see any art drawings that our youngsters have done. Let me know what you thinkll

I am looking for homes for a nice, smaller Sulcatta, two Red Eared Sliders, two Painteds and a Mud turtle. Of course, as always, if you know of a home for an Iguana, we have plenty in all sizes.

If you have an interest in one of the turtles call me at 612-781-9544.

If you can help an Iguana call Liz Redmond at 763-476-8310 As always, thanks to all who help me out

Septemeber's Raffle

Please contact Gordon 952-471-3582 Email: bass2436@yahoo.com ยง

September Critter of the Month Aaron Heit - Skink John Moriarty - Turduls (sic)

Page 4

To submit an article or drawing, please e-mail me at Donors zzzbuzzi@aol.com. Please have it in WORD format and scan the MHS - Beta food and magazine drawings. If you do not have a M Blasus - Socks, Book Covers Mr Jan - Bag of Baby Lizards computer, please mail it to Nancy Hakomaki - Earrings, The Minnesota Herpetological books, visor, poster, candles, etc Ingbretson - bookmarks, magaSociety zines, hot sauce Attn: Barbara Buzicky Dave Asleson - reptiles magaBell Museum of Natural History 10 Church St. SE; Minneapolis, zines Daryl Kams - Homalopsine MN 55455-0104 Reprints

'111C

Newsletter of the Minnesota He1l)ctological Society

October 2003

Volume 23

CAN YOU MATCH THE PICTURES TO CURRENT

MHS

Number 10

BOARD MEMBERS?

Your choices are: Nancy Hakomaki Tony Gamble Heather Clayton Marilyn Blasus Bill Moss Heather Ingbretson Brian Ingbretson

Answers on page 14

PageS

Oelober 2003

Volume 23

. Number 10

MHS ELECTIONS:

CALL

FOR

by Barb Buzicky, Recording Secretary

Hey, it's that time again to think about MHS Board electionsl! The Annual Meeting will be held in November, so there isn't much time left. If you want to take an active part in the MHS Board, now is the time to step forward.

Further, I am looking for volunteers to join me on the Election Committee to help find candidates for Board positions.

Please e-mail me at zzzbuzzi@aol.com if you are interested in working on this committee.

There are some questions that people ask about being an elected board member, and I have summarized the most pertinent information. If you have any other questions that weren't answered here, please feel free to email me!!

In order to run for a board position, you have to be a current active member along with being 18 years or older when you take office in January.

Members must be present to vote as there are no absentee bailots issued.

Only one person can occupy a board position as there is no co-sharing positions. Board Members may delegate any job function(s), except voting, to another member, but the Board Member is ultimately responsible for completion of ail duties.

Board Member's duties include serving on and chairing committees, working on special projects and assignments for the Board, and responding to correspondence as required. Board Members are also required to attend Board Meetings, fill in for any miSSing Board Member at meetings and monitor the voicemail messaging service on their assigned month. Ail Board Members must abide by the Bylaws and Policies of MHS. Now with all that Page 6

CANDIDATES

out of the way, here is a description of each position. I will also have extra copies available at the October meeting for review. Please feel free to solicit information from any current Board Member if you have any questions.

President The President chairs the monthly general and board meetings of MHS, appoints and maintains contact with committee chairs and delegates tasks to other Board Members.

The President also makes a calendar of meetings, picks up and distributes the society's mail, and acts as a public spokesperson for the Society.

The President coordinates the common vision and goals of MHS, promoting its growth and sustainability, and upholds the Bylaws.

Vice President The Vice President is responsible for coordinating and introducing the speakers for the monthly Meetings, and introducing the Critter of the Month presenters. Vice presidential duties also include assisting the President, performing the President's duties in case of absence, notifying the Newsletter editor of upcoming speakers, sending notices of monthly meetings to local newspapers, and changing the voicemail message monthly.

Treasurer The Treasurer is required to maintain and balance the MHS financial accounts and keep complete records of ail financial transactions. This includes coilection and depositing ail income in a timely manner, producing both a monthly and an annual financial statement for the newsletter, and supplying the Board with a monthly finan-

cial activity report. The Treasurer also participates in the complete yearly audit and budget.

Membership Secretary The Membership Secretary collects, maintains, and updates the membership database.

The Membership Secretary is also responsible for supplying a monthly summary of membership activities, maintains a file of prior newsletters, and responding to ail information and membership inquiries.

The Membership Secretary also maintains the name tag box.

Recording Secretary The Recording Secretary records the minutes of the monthly board and general meetings and provides summaries to the newsletter Editor. The Recording Secretary maintains: the minutes of the board meetings, a complete archive of past newsletters, and a listing of the inventory of MHS supplies, fixtures, and goods. Other duties include chairing the Election Committee and providing an annual summary of any unresolved action items.

Newsletter Editor The Newsletter Editor edits submissions, enters monthly business, and prepares the MHS newsletter for printing. The Editor also solicits articles, items of interest, and advertiSing. The Editor is responsible for the appearance of the newsletter.

Members-At-Large (4 positions) The Members-At-Large participate in the decision making process, volunteer for projects or committees. The Members-At-Large perform other duties as assigned by the President.

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TIle Newsletter of the IVtinnesota Herpetological Society

SEPTEMBER SPEAKER REVIEW

by Barb Buzicky

Speaker: Daryl Karns Program: Homalopsine Snakes: Evolutionary Experiments in the Land-Water Transition Daryl Karns was our guest speaker for the September MHS General Meeting, and he is a professor and chair of Biology at Hanover College in Indiana.

Further, he is a research associate at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. Dr. Karns completed his PhD in ecology, behavior, and evolution, in Minnesota at the U. of M. He is the author of the classic "Field Herpetology: Methods for Study of Amphibians and Reptiles in Minnesota."

The snake group Homalopsinae are a subfamily of the Colubridae. They can be found In India and throughout Indo China and the Indo-Australia Archipelago to the coastal regions of Northern Australia.

They are also located in Southern China and the Philippines. They mainIy live in fresh water rivers and lakes, and they also follow human habitation in rice paddies, cotton fields, and associated irrigation systems. They are also found in wallows which are large holes made by water buffalos in the wetlands to cool down and the mud helps insulate them from insects.

Homalopsinae also live in brackish waters such as river mouths and mangrove forests along coasts. Some genera can also be found in marine habitats along coastal regions as well as offshore.

Homalopsinae have grooved venom teeth of the opisthoglyphic type (rearfanged) located in the posterior section of the upper jaw. They are venomous, but the venom is not severely toxic to

October 2003

Volume 23

Number 10

humans more like a bee sting. The venom is toxic for specific fish and crustaceans that is the main diet for hom~lopsinae. Most m~mbers of this species are heavily-bodied, and some have thick heads where there is no curvature to distinguish the head from the b.ody. Their heads have tube-like nostrils on top that are closed off by valves when diving which is an adaptation to the aquatic mode of life. They have small eyes that also point upward. They are plainly colored or with light and dark cross bands. The ventral and head scales resemble those of the general Colubridae Description.

water snakes were the fresh water kind as there are only 8 species able to live in a salt water environment as they have salt glands. The major question was how did this happen? 1998 was an EI Nino year which meant that there was no monsoon rainy season. These wetlands survive and depend on the monsoon season which brings torrential rains to the area that flush out the old water and bring in fresh water.

Thus, the salinity of the water greatly increased which caused toxicity to the snakes and death. He returned to the area in 1999 to check on the snake population to see if the local catastrophe from the year before would have a negative effect, and the snakes Dr. Karns has been involved with were rebounding from the situation. behavioral and ecological studies in Malaysia and Thailand regarding In Singapore, located on the Malaysian homalopsinae (water snakes).

In Peninsula, which is about 20 by 30 Brunei (Malaysia), this specie~ live in kilometers in size with a population of ~allows, .streams, ponds, ~nd rice pad- 3.5 million inhabitants. There is a large dies. Dlscovere? b~ radio telemetry, mangrove forest reserve called Pasir the snakes that Iiv.e In wallows lead a Ris Mangrove which Is an urban park very .sedentary hfe~tyle throughout game reserve where Homalopsinae t~elr lives. H?malops~nes do not spend flourish. This park is set up with boardtime regulatmg Their bo~y temper~- walk type trails throughout the reserve tures as the wallow habitat keep It so people can view the beautiful surar~und 30 degrees C through the insu- roundings. Dr. Karns found and studlalion of th~ m~d and water. Sm~1I fish ied four species equipping them with an~ fr~gs live 10 wallows which IS the radio transmitters, Fordonia, Gerarda, maIO diet for them.

Cerberus, and Canto ria. Fordonia is an interesting species as they live In or In Thailan?, .in particular, Lake on dung mounds that can be up to four Songkla, which IS a 100,000 acre wet- feet high. Their body temperatures land which h~s a depth of ab?ut 2 also are around 30 degrees C through meters, there IS a dense populalion of the dung insulation.

Gerarda homa.lopsin.ae livi~g s~dentary lives as Prevostiana has a very interesting way they like ~elng bUried 10 the mud. Here to eat food. They don't eat their prey also, their body temperatures cen- Whole because they dissect it into bits !ered ~round 30 degrees C from the or parts to eat one at a time. Kind of Insulation of the mud and water. While like a real gourmet who savors the h~ was there in 1998, he was involved food on their palate. Further, they eat with a local ecological investigation as mostly crabs. He met many local peothe snakes were being decimated by pie that helped him with trapping the an unknown cause. They were coming snakes who were extremely helpful. out of the water and dying everywhere. The slides illustrated how beautiful After tests, it was discovered that they this area in Malaysia is. ยง were dying from extreme salinity contamination at 32 parts per 1000. These Page 7

October 2003

MHS

AT THE

2003

RENAISSANCE

Volume 23

Number 10

MINNESOTA FESTIVAL

photos and text by Bill Moss

MHS took part once again in the 2003 Minnesota Renaissance Festival where we have been working seven weekends a year since 1989.

The days can be long, hot and dry but in the end, the experience, the friendships, and the camaraderie, not to mention the good will we are doing for reptiles and amphibians make the effort all worthwhile.

Mark always has a smile for the visitors

Ananda Wold (top) gives some patrons the to opportunity touch a snake while Heather Clayton guards the gator pond After a hard day in the Sun, some find the evening incomplete without a highly competitive card game called Golf...... or maybe just sit around and chat.

Page 8

Alfie just doesn't know how to stop (neither does the dog)

TIle Newsletter of the l'vlinllesota Herpetological Society

October 2003

Showing extreme tolerance 01 the photographer

Ummmm mom? MOM!!

Volume 23

Number 10

Hot, dusty days really take the energy out 01 you

MHS members are always a hit on the daily parade

Bearded dragon enjoying the 90+ degree temps.

Smiley is a old veteran out here with 10 years seniority Page 9

October 2003

No Silver Lining For The Golden Gecko IBy Lionel Messias, Gulf News Online Edition 8/17/03 The golden gecko found in Tirumala is feared to be close to extinction thanks to increasing human interference with nature on the hills, where South India's most popular Venkateswara temple exists.Fears for the survival of the gecko are also because of the guesthouses and cottages built for VIPs who love to visit the temple, flying down from New Delhi if necessary. The Seshachalam hill ranges spread over the Chittoor and Cuddapah districts, of which Tirumala is a part, is home to a variety of rare endemic flora and fauna, which is why it was declared a wildlife sanctuary called the Sri Venkateswara national park. The golden gecko, rarely called by its real name 'Calodactylodes Aureus', lives only in the Bairemkonda quartzite rocks on the hills and is reportedly not found elsewhere in the world. The 1,200 year-old 'Shilathoranam' or natural rock arch on Tirumala, one of the four such bridges in the world, is where the reptile can be seen the most. It also lives near the last I 'U' bend on the road to Tirumala, which was declared a national monument by the Geological Survey of India (GSI). Light yellow or brownish, it has expanded terminal phalanges that distinguish it from the domestic lizard. It confines itself mostly to moist rocky structures less exposed to the sun and therefore the heat.

Only 65 geckos were found after a headcount-cum-study was made by the Sri Venkateswara University's Page 10

Zoology Department between 1998 and 2000 funded by the World Bank's project "Ecology and conservation of golden gecko in Tirumala hills and in some habitats of SV National Park." The shocking discovery aside, it was however easy to understand the part played by man in the geckos' alarming disappearance.

Volume 23

Number 10

Damages From Snake Bite at $1.6 Million 8/5/03, New York Law Journal,

The former head keeper of reptiles at the Long Island Reptile Museum who was bitten by a West African Gibbon Viper snake has received an award of $1.6 million from a The increasing number of pilgrims Nassau County Supreme Court refvisiting the less popular parts of eree for his injuries.

Tirumala has disturbed the animal's environs and restricted its move- Plaintiff Robert McDonald Jr. was ment for food and reproduction, the attempting to clean the deadly university said in Tirupati. snake's cage when it bit his right hand. Mr. McDonald was heliThe temple management blasted coptered to the Jacobi Hospital's rocks using dynamite way back in anti-venom unit but sustained an 1940 to build roads and ramparts eight-inch scar above his arm, and beginning the process then. Later, two more eight-inch scars on each huge buildings close to the hand. He also lost 40 percent of his 'Shilathoranam' -the geckos' main hand strength. habitat- only made things worse, the study said. Powerful lights focussing Most victims do not survive bites through the night on the rocks at the from the African snake, the refernatural arch disturbed the natural ee's decision stated. Referee rhythm of the nocturnal reptile like Elizabeth L. Rosenblum, in reproduction, physiology, move- McDonald Jr. v. Long Island Reptile ment and behaviour according to Museum, 6427-98, awarded Mr. the study. Buming of non-degrad- McDonald $1 million for future pain able plastiC bags and disposable and suffering, $500,000 for past cups left behind by millions of pil- pain and suffering and $141,440 grims in Gogarbham and the exca- for future lost wages. The referee vation work begun near the considered that Mr. McDonald, who Papavinasanam dam drove the did not want to return to work at the geckos literally out of their homes. museum, was unable to work in his The only silver lining, if there is one, previous occupation in! construcfor the golden gecko is the conser- tion. vation work taken up by the forest department in the Erratlamadugu (Editor -Through Lori Green, who and Danamtheesina Banda areas is trying to get the Long Island deep in the jungle where the crea- Reptile Museum up to basic tures may be safe. ยง humane standards of care, the owner denies knowledge of this case.) ยง

The Newsletter of thc "Minnesota Hcq>ctoJogical Society

October 2003

Volume 28

Number 10

Gator Could Be Nature's Top Chomper Gainesville, FL, 912/03 ENS

The alligator appears to have the most powerful bite of all known creatures, researchers say. The findings come as part of a study measuring the force alligators exert when they clamp down their toothy jaws. It shows that American alligators bite harder than any other member of the animal kingdom yet studied, including lions, hyenas, some species of sharks and wolves as well as people, said Kent Vliet, a University of Florida zoologist.

Vliet is an author of a paper about alligators' biting prowess that appeared last month in the "Journal of Zoology of London."

His colleagues in this study were Gregory Erickson, a professor of anatomy and vertebrate paleobiology at Florida State University in Tallahassee, and Kristopher Lappin, a biologist at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. To test the gators' bites, the scientists built "bite bars" - metal bars resembling large tuning forks. The bars, which were covered in leather to prevent damage to the alligators' teeth, contained strain gauges that measure

force. The researchers presented the bars, which were of varying length and thickness for different sized alligators, to more than 40 captive gators ranging from about one foot to more than 12 feet at an alligator farm. "The hardest part of the work was getting the bite bar back from them, because they would often hold onto it for 20 min-

utes, and it is delicate equipment," Vliet said. "We did not really wanl t them walking off with it." The largest alligator in the study - a 12 and a half foot gator named Hercules - bit down with a more than 2,100 pounds of force.

That is more forceful than all living animals measured, Vliet said. The lion, for example, has a bite force of about 940 pounds, slightly less than the hyena's roughly 1,000 pounds.

The dusky shark, which was the only shark tested, achieves about 330 pounds, while a common dog, the Labrador, bites at about 125 pounds. The gator chomp may even be mightier than some dinosaurs, Vliet said. Although tyrannosaurus rex may have bitten with a force of some 3,300 pounds, smaller theropod dinosaurs, or bipedal carnivorous dinosaurs, may have bitten with a force of no more than 450 pounds.

Vliet, who studies alligator ecology, said he is interested in alligators' bite force because their varied diet often includes turtles.

To consume the animals, alligators have to crack their shells, which raises the question for Vliet of much force is involved. Alligators, for their part, seem to have an innate understanding of their mouths' crushing potential, Vliet said. When eating turtles, plained, alligators often he ex! maneuver the animals to the back of their mouths, then squeeze them like until they either "pop" the shell or abandon the effort. ยง

Page 11

The Newsletter ofthc :Minl1csota HCI1}ctological Society

American Snapping Turtle Found in UK (Estimated 20 Years Old) Express& Star (Wolverhampton, UK) 7/19/03 (Jim Dunton)

Nessie he's not, but a mini monster has washed up after years of haunting a Walsall pool, terrorising ducks and fish. RSPCA officers yesterday pulled a snapping turtle the size of a pizza dish out of a brook near Goscote. Inspector Tim Dixon, of the society said the young anglers who found the turtle - and nicknamed him Lucky - were lucky not to get bitten themselves.

"It could have easily taken one of their fingers off," he said. "These things do grow up to be quite aggressive." With a shell diameter of 14ins, Mr Dixon estimated Lucky was up to 20 years-old, and had probably lived most of his life in the wild. "People get bored with them, and because they're difficult to rehome, they just get rreleased back into the wild - even though it's illegal," he explained. "He would have been a popular thing to have around about the time of the Mutant Ninja Turtles craze."

He added that Lucky would have found the pool, just north of Slacky Lane, an ideal habitat for feeding on small fish and ducklings. "I'm presuming that because we've had quite a lot of heavy rain in the past couple of days, he would have been more active," Mr Dixon said.

"After he ran out of things to eat in the pool he probably started looking further afield." But the quest for pastures new will instead spell the end of Lucky's freedom. After plucking him out of a shallow part of the brook, RSPCA officers have Page 12

October 2003

now found a home for Lucky at Drayton Manor Zoo. Mr Dixon said although Lucky was the first common snapping turtle he'd ever picked up in Walsall, one or two usually surfaced across the wider region every year.

(Editor: It should be noted that common snappers are also now found in Japan.)

HerpDigest Vol 3 #47

Singapore Reptile Dealer Faces US Scales Of Justice

Volume 23

Number 10

allegedly used the name Jon Morelia as an alias, has been charged with shipping Indian star tortoises, which are protected under international wildlife treaties, and other rare animals to collectors across America. A collector from California is supposed to have received an emerald tree monitor and a boa constrictor in a shipment that was declared as containing samples of 'microwave-safe' plastic containers. Court documents say a collector in Washington State tipped off the investigators about the pair's arrival from Bangkok and they were arrested when they landed. Wee was charged on Wednesday, and faces a jail term of up to 15 years or a US$750,OOO fine if convicted. He has previously been involved with the law in Singapore over reptiles. In January 1999, Desmond Lee, 22, made off with animals from the Jurong Reptile Park. The creatures, which included an African bullfrog, were worth about $4,800. Lee, then a national serviceman, was jailed for four weeks and fined $5,000 for stealing 18 animals from the park.

It was reported at the time that the case against Wee, who was alleged to have been Lee's accomplice, was still pending.

8/02/03 The Straits Interactive A SINGAPOREAN reptile dealer and his Thailand-based associate have been arrested in Florida and charged with smuggling endangered animals to collectors in the United States. Wire reports said Lawrence Wee Soon Chye, 37, and Leong Tian Kum, 33, who is from Bangkok, are being held in the state's Seminole County Jail pending further hearings. They Orlando were arrested at Intemational Airport following a sixmonth investigation after two packages - declared to be containing books - from Singapore were deliv- Yesterday, a Jurong Reptile Park ered to a University of Central spokesman said the bespectacled Florida student. There were no Wee, described as a smooth-talker, books in the parcels, but the once visited the place to inquire authorities found more than 200 about hiring live animals for a show rare turtles, tortoises and lizards he wanted to stage. His request inside, according to court records. was tumed down.

US Fish and Wildlife investigators said the student sold the 10cm tur- HerpDigest Vol 3 #48 tles for up to US$400 (S$707) each ยง over the Internet. Wee, who

The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

Octobcr 2003

Volumc 23

Number 10

Minnesota Herpetological Society Treasurer's Report

Sarah M. Richard "Making Rmlty Dreams Rw_lily"

Prepared by Marilyn Brooks Blasus, Treasurer For the Month Ending August 31, 2003

Find Me; .(612]781-9544.

Bus; (651 636-3760 Fax; (651 639-6418 .. samhrichard®edina£e{ll.ty.com

~

mgM Only $5 Per Month ......$55 Per Year

Income: Membership Sales (net) Donations Raffle Misc.

Total Income:

$ $ $ $ $ $

Expense: Newsletter Printing and Postage Other Printing and Postage Program Conservation I Donation Supplies and Refreshments Misc.

Total Expense:

$ 262.00 $ 25.75 $ 50.00 $ 0.00 $ 63.79 $1514.96 $2016.50

Net Gain I (Loss):

$(1084.37)

195.00 0.00 589.38 92.75 55.00 932.13

•Reptiles' Amphi~ians 'Invertebrales' Small Mammals· Fish' . Complete Line 01 Cages, Food, Boo~s &Supplies lor ALL Animals

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it The LARGEST, BEST Selection in the Twin C~ies Since 1979

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2363 University Ave. W. SI. Paul, (1/2 Blk E. 01 Rayrnon~

~~ng~f fs~ge!2graphy bendaphotography.com

952-435-6188

(651) 647·4479 www.lwlncltlesreptlles.com GET THE FACTS ... NOT THE HVRE ----------------Page 13

The Newsletter of the :rvlillnesota Herpetological Society

Octoher 2003

Volume 23

Number 10

Classified Advertisements Classified ads are free to the membership.

Deadline is the night of the general meeting for inclusion In the next newsletter.

1.0.0"" male, 0.1.0 female, 0.0.1 = unsexed, cb::= captive bred, obo "" or best offer, + "" times run { ads are run 3 times unless specifically requested to continue}. :::0

For Sale

Wanted

For Sale: 1.1 adult Timor monitors, breeders. One of the smallest monitor species. $300/pair, obo.

Chelsea DeArmond, 651-776-5216 or cdearmon@luthersem.edu +

Wanted: All the shed snake skins in the world. Needed for giveaways to kids at educational programs.

Call Bob Duerr 651-489-5087

Did you know....... .

Classified line ads are run free to MHS members?

Frozen Rabbits - all sizes.

Prices very reasonable - pinkies to adults.

Jim Daluge 763.295.2818 Flightless Fruitflies - Excellent food for dart frogs, mantellas, hatchling geckos, baby chameleons, spiderlings, and other small herps. Two Drosophila species available: melanogaster (small) and Drosophila hydei (large). $5/culture or $25/6 CUltures. Each culture contains 30 to 50 adult flies and has potential to produce several hundred young. Also, Mealworms, two sizes available regular and mini. $5/1000. Can be delivered to MH8 meetings. Call Tony Gamble 612-747-6682 or email tgamble@attbi.com +++

.

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~~'---

Wanted: Creative people to come up with fun MH8 rodent sales ads. In case you hadn't noticed, this is a repeat - your editor is creatively tapped out.

ANTE

-----

EngiSh Spot

Jim's Rabbit Shack "Wher& Spots Ar& Top$W

JIMOAlUGE

8700 Jaber Ave. NE Monticeno, MN 55362 L -_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .__ _ ___ _ (763) 295-2818

Answers to board member photos: 1: Marilyn Blasus 2: Brian Ingbretson 3: Bill Moss 4: Heather Ingbretson 5: Heather Clayton 6: Nancy Hakomaki 7: Tony Gamble Page 14

Fuzzies Hom:1ers Adults

$7/dz $8/dz $10/dz

Fuzzies 8m Adult Med Adult l,gAdult Jumbo

$15/dz $18/dz $24/dz $30/dz $36/dz

For pick-up at monthly meetings only. Orders Must be placed at least one week in advance of date of meeting at which the frozen rodents are to be delivered.

Place orders with Jody Holmstrom at 651.224.7212 or jodyalso@yahoo.com

•

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'12th month is free on a one year commitment

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Advertising Policies

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MHS Ad Policy: The MHS assumes NO RESPONSIBiliTY regarding the health or

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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 the Newsletter

Editor. Due to space limitations, unpaid and complimentary advertisements are sub-

MHSAD RATES Business card 1/4 Page 1/2 Page Full Page

$5/Month $10/Month $20/Month $40/Month

ject to occasional omission.

$55Near* $110Near* $220Near* $440Near*

Classified Ads: All active members are allowed a classified ad, run free of charge

as space pannUs. Ads may be ran three consecutive months, after which time they may be resubmitted. Corresponding members are allowed a complimentary busIness card advertisement monthly as space permits. Due to federal restrictions on Non-profit mailing pennits, we are not allowed to run ads for travel, credit or Insur-

ance agendas.

Submissions: All advertisements should be submitted to the MHS Editor, Bell

* Note: 12th month is free on a one year commitment

£(~IIL~;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;~~

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Museum

of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455.

Is the night of the General Meeting for inclusion payable to: Minnesota Herpetological Society.

Deadline

In the next newsletter. Make checks

r-----------------------------------------------, Minnesota. Herpetological Society Membership Application : New

Name

Renewal

Address

Membership#

City, State, Zip,

Type

Phone

Check #

Herp related interests

Email

..

Active Memberships: Sustaining ($60/year) Corresponding Memberships:

List in MHS Directory?

Yes

No

Contnbutmg ($30/year) BasIc ($15/year)

Commercial ($25/year 2 Business Card Ads/year)

Required check info. Drivers Lie # State DOB Please enclose the proper payment with your application. Make Checks Payable To: Minnesota Herpetological Society.

Membership is for 12 months from the date of approval, a receipt will be sent only upon request. Mail to: Minnesota Herpetological Society, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church SI. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Please allow 6-8 weeks for processing.

L _______________________________________________

~

Non-Profit Rate U.S. Postage PAID Mpls, MN Permit No. 2275 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

POSTMASTER: DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DELIVER BY SEPTEMBER 29

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA- ST. PAUL CAMPUS

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Next Meeting: Friday, October 3, 2003 7:00PM Room 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus

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