Vol. 23 (2003), No. 12

Board of Directors

Bell Museum of Natural History, to Church Street Southeast, Minneapolis Minnesota 55455-0104

President

Randy Blasus

952.925.4237 reblas@mn.rr.com

Vice President Tony Gamble

763.424.2803 tgamble@altbLcom

Recording Secretary Barb Buzicky zzzbuzzi@aol.com Membership Secretary Nancy Hakomaki gatorgal@boxfrog.com Treasurer Marilyn Blasus

651.341.5707

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y

bttp,((www.mnherpsoc.org

MHS Group Email: http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/mnherpsoc.

Voice Mail. 612.624.7065

December 2003 651.488.1383

612.788.4664 763.572.0487

763.572.0487 Heather Ingbrelson h_Ingbretson@yahoo.com Immediate Past PresIdent Jodi L. Ahems 612.588.9329 groundgeckofreak@yahoo.com

Committees 612.781.9544 ReaISarah@aol.com Education Jan Larson

c

Herpetological

952.925.4237 ............_ ......_ ..............................................._ ..._ _ _........_ ......._ ...._ __

ingellzard@yahoo.com

Adoption Sarah Richard

o

MHS Webpage:

mngalorguy@msn.com Members al Laroe Heather Clayton heethuh@aol.com Brian Ingbretson

s

Minnesota

612-916-7575

blasus@mn.rr.com Newsletter Editor 8m Moss

The

507.263.4391

Volume 23

Number 12

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.skunkho!low@juno.com

.L.!.!llaI¥

Beth Girard

763.691.1650 bglrard@worldnet.atl.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

701.772.0227 651.488.1383

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. See inside back cover for ad rates.

Submissions may be sent to: -orThe Minnesota Herpetological Society Bill Moss Attn: Newsletter Editor 75 Geranium Ave East Bell museum of Natural History Saint Paul, MN 55117 -or10 Church St. SE. Minneapolis, MN 55455.0104 mngatorguy@msn.com

~

Nancy Haig Heather Malson

763.434.8684 612.554.8446

Large BQas E:y!hons TIna Cisewski

612.856.2865

Other Snakes Jeff Leclere John Meltzer

763.263.7880

Aquatic Turtles Gary Ash John Levell

763.753.0218 507.467.3076

Terrestrial Iurtles Fred Bosman John Level!

763.476.0306 507.467.3076

651.488.6388

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.

'I11C Newsletter of the _Minnesota HCll:>etological Societ):

The Vice-presidents report

By Tony Gamble

December General Meeting Friday, December 5th, 2003 7:00 PM December Holiday Banquet Saturday, December 6th, 6:30 PM Guest Speaker: Paul Freed

Paul is the supervisor of the Herpetology Section and a 24-year veteran of the Houston Zoo. In the past 3 decades he has done fieldwork for Conservation International, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Louisiana state University, and the Raleigh state Museum, as well as Houston Zoo's conservation projects and his own research on herpetological parasitology.

His fieldwork has taken hirn to remote regions in Australia, Ecuador Guyana, Peru: Cameroon, Madagascar, and Belize to name but a few. He has authored and co-authored numerous scientific articles on the results of this research.

Paul has amassed over 40,000 images of animals, plants, habitats and people during this time.

He frequently gives natural history lectures to groups throughout the U.S., with an emphasis on herpetology.

Recently, he expanded his repertoire by authoring a book detailing his adventures in the field entitled: "Of Golden Toads & Serpents' Roads" (Texas A&M University Press).

December 2003

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Friday's General Meeting every environment on Earth. Witness diminutive vipers that "swim" beneath Program: Venomous Snakes of the oceans of sand, observe the majesty of an omate, hatchling king cobra, or World Although only a small fraction of the nearly 3000 snake species in the world are venomous, they nonetheless represent a major interest to the human inhabitants, which happen to share their planet.

Loathed and feared by most, snakes often evoke strong emotional responses by all that encounter them. From biblical times through the present, snakes, especially venomous ones, have been persecuted, maligned, vilified, and unfortunately, senselessly killed on sight.

With all that anxiely about these mis-

understood creatures, what are the truths concerning venomous snakes?

Do we really need them? Are they as "evil" as their reputation seems to indicate? Are they truly the "loathsome and foul beasts" we were taught to believe by those 'in the know'?

Come spend an evening on a photographic journey and see for yourselves how these marvelous animals have survived unchanged for millions of years and have adapted to nearly

ponder a sea snake that spends its' entire life without ever touching dry land. After your encounters with common, rare, and obscure species, maybe then you can decide if these reptiles deserve a special place in our hearts or if '~he only good snake is a dead snake"!

Saturday's Banquet Program: A Quarter Century of Herping at the Houston Zoo The Herpetology Section of the Houston Zoo has long been considered one of the premier herp facilities in the world.

Having an extensive collection of some of the rarest, oddest, and most bizarre creatures anywhere (and that's just the staff!), the Houston Zoo herpetology department has kept, bred, and worked with an astonishing diversity of salamanders, frogs, turtles, lizards and snakes. The herps are not the only things worthy of mention, as it's also the remarkable staff that has passed through our doors over the past 25 years that has brought us fame and intemational recognition.

Join us in an evening of fun reminiscing as we discuss the highlights of one of the largest and most successful reptile and amphibian collections anywhere and get a behind the scenes glimpse to see what incredible creatures, people, and research has taken place there in the past quarter century. ยง Page 3

rIlle Newsletter of the !vIinnesota I-Iell)dological Soriety

October 2003

Volume 23

Number 10

News, Notes & Announcements Notice To All MHS Committee Chairs: Volunteer Hours Due All Chairs are required to compile all volunteer hours, listed by member, for 2003 and present them to the President in the beginning of January 2004 in order to arrange for volunteer awards and tabulate this years total hours of service to MHS's mission. If you have any questions, please contact the president. Thank you. REBlasus

November Critter of the Month The following people brought animals to the October meeting: Craig Renier Larval Fire Salamanders Baby Geckos (ed note: could not read the latin names)

Seasons Greetings from MHS Attend The MHS Party and Celebrate the Season

by Randy Blasus

November Raffle Donors Thanks to the following people for generously donating to the monthly raffle: Jodi L Aherns Reptile shirt

MHS Marilyn Blasus Tony Gamble Styro Box

Merle and Jan Larson 3M Stuff Micheal Howard Gecko Steering Whl Cover Reptile and Amph. Book

Donna Calander Alligator Body Scrubber Page 4

by Sarah Richard, Adoption Chair

This month went quite well. We had 4 turtles, 5 smaller snakes, 3 The annual Holiday Banquet will be lizards and a frog. All were placed on Saturday, December 6, 2003. either in permanent homes or in The event will be held at the St Paul foster. We had a number of conStudent Center (southwest of the tested animals, i.e., more than one regular meeting room - down the application. I want to thank each hill) in the Terrace Cafe North and every person who applied. (same as last year).

Without your willingness to take on the animals we could not have a Our guest speaker is Paul Freed program. and his topic will be "25 years at the Houston Zoo." This will be a photo I was surprised by the number of journey through time that the whole people who asked me "Is this all family will enjoy there is?" At a total of 13 animals it The event will start at 6:30pm with a Social Hour. MHS will provide pop, water, beer, wine and dinner wear. For the potluck dinner, please bring an item to share and serving utensils.

Tony Gamble Cricket Frogs

November Adoption Committee Report

A special raffle will be held before the speaker featuring a unique piece of herp artwork, and several other neat items will be given as door prizes. All attendees will be eligible and will receive one ticket gratis just for attending but more tickets can be purchased to increase your odds.

Registration will be accepted up to Friday night before the event. See last month's newsletter for the registration form.

Please contact Gordon Merck for any reservation questions at 952-471-3582. Come and join your friends for a fun social event.

was a pretty normal month. We have had 156 animals come in so far this year. That is about one hundred short of last year, but if you take out the 102 animals in 2 cages it is almost the same volume. Next months report will contain a comprehensive break down of all the activity for the year, so stay tuned.

At this time we are looking for permanent homes for 5 Iguanas. If you know of anyone who would make a good Iguana owner please have them contact Liz Redmond or Jamie Pajak.

Wanted A back-up Librarian who can take on the responsibility of running the library services if our current Librarian can't make the meeting.

The job is not at all complicated and the time committment is minimal. For more information, contact Beth Girard at 763.691.1650 or President Randy Blasus.

The Newsletter of the l\.rlinllcsota Helvctologicai Society

Minnesota Hepetofauna Revisited A New Quick Reference Guide to All 50 Species reviewed by Randy Blasus

Reptiles and Amphibians of Minnesota Field Guide

by Stan Tekiela. 2003. Adventure Publication, Inc.Cambridge, Minnesota. Softcover. ISBN 159193-006-5. $14.95 (price found at Barnes and Nobles) This new book and CD on herps in Minnesota has just been released.

It is one of a series that the author is producing covering a variety of nature topics such as trees, wild-

December 2003

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state. It is easily used and underThe 19th Annual Midwest stood by amateurs and provides detailed information on how to Herpetological identify each species. General Symposium Wrap-up range maps show each species by Randy Blasus range in a county delineated state map.

The 2003 Midwest Herpetological Symposium was held in Omaha, It features large full color pictures hosted by the Nebraska and brief notes on each animal as Herpetological Society (NHS). well as more general information Similar to last year, this society was on this group of animals as a running their first Midwest. In 2002, whole. Photos cover not only the Champlain and Peoria Herp basic animal but also show identify- Societies combined their efforts to ing marks, juvenile pattem and present the Midwest. This sympocolor and pattern morphological sium is now in its nineteenth year and continues to attract people and variation. include societies from all over the The CD provides an audio guide to Midwest, and is the only show of its identifying frog and toad calls and kind in our region. serves as a teaching aid as it guides the listener throug~ all th~ The NHS celebrated their 25 th species and helps practice their anniversary in 2003 and took this newly found skill. opportunity to showcase their relationship with the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo by having the icebreaker at the newly built Desert Dome.

As you approach the zoo you are immediately impressed by the bright 13 story glass geodesic dome that covers an acre of land!

Other features become obvious as New Photo Contest Chair you walk up to the dome. You s~e the 55 foot tall mountain rising up In Amanda Jeager has taken over the the middle of the building! It projob of Photo Contest Chairperson. vides an impressive sight near the She will be collecting and displayentrance to the zoo. ing entries for the contest held during the March meeting. Please Midwest attendees wandered the support Amanda and the photo exhibits, observing multi-continencontest by entering photos for dis- tal desert flora and fauna on the play. It really doesn't matter who topside, while in the Nocturnal actually wins, but rather it's a joy to World (basement) they met many see the photography of our fellow venomous snakes from crotalid to members. elapid, along with bats and a Louisiana swamp recreation with Stay tuned for more details.

Overall this book and CD should be an informative and easily used guide to anyone conc~r.ned wi~h reptiles and amphibians In Minnesota. Every car should have one.

flowers and birds on a state by state basis. Because the author is a native Minnesotan, each series starts with our state before moving on to others.

The book is designed as a travel or 'in the field' guide (pocket sized) to Reptiles and Amphibians of this

(midwest... .. continued on page 9) Page 5

The Nc\yslctter of the'Minnesota HCI1Jctoiogical Society

Recovery of the Puerto Rican Crested Toad

by Bob Johnson

The Puerto Rican crested toad (Peltophryne lemur), once endemic to Puerto Rico and the nearby island of Virgin Gorda, is now only found onPuerto Rico where it occurs in two separate populations. It was the first amphibian to be considered for an AZA Species Survival Plan (SSP). The AZA and the Fish and Wildlife (FWS) have worked closely toward the recovery of the crested toad for over 15 years.

Dccembcr 2003

The long-term survival of P. lemur depends on protecting existing breeding sites and establishing additional wild populations. Captive breeding provides an additional source of tadpoles and a genetically diverse back-up population in the event of a disaster at the Guanica site. The release of tadpoles, rather than toad lets, is believed to

Significant variations in mitochondrial DNA between northern and southern populations suggest that the two populations have been separated for some time.

None of the northern breeding Fortworth S",路Teleg"mIRon J"kin, sites are protected. Despite contin- increase the likelihood of imprinting uing searches, no adult toads have on the natal pond habitat and been seen in the north since 1988, allows natural selection to occur at and some biologists consider the a stage in which large losses can northern population to be extirpat- be buffered by the relatively high ed. In the south, there is a single numbers of released animals. To breeding pond located in a former date, over 4,000 toadlets and gravel parking area in Guanica 20,000 tadpoles have been State Forest. No more than 1,000 released to the wild. The small size adult toads have ever been seen at of released toadlets makes follow this site. Over the past 15 years, up on the success of introductions the southern population has or releases difficult. declined to about 200 adults, not all of which breeding. Breeding in the Captive breeding activities are wild is stimulated by infrequent complemented with field studies. heavy rainfalls that provide enough For example, radiotracking postwater for the 18-21 days it takes for reproductive toads determined that metamorphosis from tadpole to individuals moved an average of toadlet. about 410 feet (125 meters) a night Page 6

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for the first 4 days and traveled a maximum distance of 3.2 miles (2 kilometers). After the initial period of intense movement, toads moved no more than about 32 feet (10m) and often returned to the same hole even after several nights of foraging. Holes in limestone were preferred refuges, although deep crevices were used during the initial post-reproductive migration period. Other research efforts are focusing on nutritional and veterinary research in captive populations, as well as life history and habitat use.

Twenty zoos and aquariums in the United States and Canada participate in the Puerto Rican toad SSP. They provide resources, expertise, and funding for recovery as well as a genetically and demographically diverse back-up population in the event of a biological catastrophe at the natural breeding site. Funding for implementing the SSP has been provided by the FWS Caribbean Field Office, the AZA's Conservation Endowment Fund, the Canadian Museums Association and Canadian Departments of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Other contributions have been received from the Toronto Zoo's Endangered Species fund, The Philadelphia Zoo's "One With Nature" fund, the Columbus Zoo's Riverbanks Zoological Park and Botanical Garden Conservation Fund, the Detroit Zoo, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, the Sedgwick County Zoo, the Saint Louis Zoo, the Toledo Zoo,

The Newsletter of the "Minnesota Herpetological Society

December 2003

Volume 23

assistance from Mayaguez University) in Puerto Rico. The In collaboration with the FWS SSP team has provided equipCaribbean Field Office, the SSP ment, life support systems for holdworking group recently drafted a ing and breeding toads, and trainproposal for an FWS, Puerto Rico ing so that acaptive breeding proDepartment of Natural Resources, gram can be established in Puerto and AZA conservation partnership Rico. Signs invites zoo visitors to in which the goals of the SSP are visit the Guanica forest to experimerged with recovery plan objectives. Our partnership focuses on five objectives: conservation education, pond construction for the release of captive bred toads, research related to captive breeding and release, field research on important habitat, and population and distribution surveys. Education is of critical importance to the recovery of this amphibian species.

and the Vancouver Aquarium.

The FWS and the AZA are working to prepare and distribute identification leaflets to schools and social centers within the toad's historical range. Additional materials include a field guide to tadpoles, toadlets, and toads; life-size models of toad lets and toads; posters that highlight the importance of the remaining breeding sites and surrounding karst habitat; a slide program; and a video to help people distinguish P. lemur from another toad, Bufo marinus. Bumper stickers, decals, refrigerator magnets, buttons designed and distributed by students, and a conservation activity book will also increase the profile of this species across the island. Community based conservation initiatives will focus on the only known breeding localities for this species. It is important to remember that very few people in Puerto Rico have seen this threatened species. Live P. lemur are on display at the Mayaguez Zoo (with

ence the toad's habitat, and Guanica forest visitors will be invited to visit the Mayaguez Zoo to see the toad. Also, for the first time nonbreeding toads are housed at the University of Puerto Rico in Rio Piedras. With public support and continued cooperation among agencies and AZA institutions, the chances for recovery of the Puerto Rican toad will improve.

Bob Johnson is the AZA Puerto Rican Crested Toad SSP Species Coordinator at the Toronto Zoo in Ontario, Canada.

Endangered Species Bulletin Vol XXXIV No.3

ยง

Adoption Chair Job Description

by Sarah Richard, Adoption Chair

I thought this might be a good opportunity to go over a brief job description of what I do so if anyone else out there is interested they know what it entails.

1) Take calls: While most of the calls are now filtered through several layers (the referring party and either the website or the phone line) I receive about 30-60 calls per month.

2) Triage them: While talking to the people, make a determination if it is: a) A crisis that warrants jumping up and fetching the animal NOW or ASAP b) Immediate delivery c) Can they wait to adoption intake day The first contact usually takes 5-20 minutes with some people calling 3 or 4 times before they make a decision regarding their pet. The people who bother to call honestly want to do what is best for their animal, it is often a traumatic experience for them and it is necessary to be diplomatic under sometimes very trying circumstances.

3) Pick up: I do pickup on all animals from governmental officials as well as emergency situations. Care for those animals until the meeting.

4) Admission: The Thursday prior to the meeting I try to reserve to stay home and take delivery of nonemergency cases. I make myself available from 9am-7pm. At around 6:30 the Vets students come in and do visuals on the animals. I can usually call it quits by 9pm. (chair .....continued on page 12)

Page 7

The Newsletter of the Ivlinncsota Herpetological Society

_Arear

the white clapboard manor at the William Floyd Estate, the wooden spar of a sailing boat has taken the place of the old flagpole, and a grove of oak and hickory has grown up where the apple orchard once stood. Nature and human activity have rewritten much of the property's history during the past century. But somewhere amid the second growth forests and restored hay fields, time has slowed to a virtual crawl in the form of a 100 year-old turtle named JN21-21.

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December 2003

the Wildlife Conservation Society were nearing the end of a biological inventory, they again found JN21-21 - by then a centenarian. To their surprise, the turtle appeared in the remarkably good condition, with little evidence of wear. "Doesn't look a day over 50," Stavdal says. Although

In 1990, National Parks Service Ranger Richard Stavdal recaptured JN21-21 at the estate. And last Septernber, as census-takers from Page 6

Number 12

new danger with the proliferation of raccoons sustained by the ample garbage and limited predators of suburban life. The hinged plastron of a threatened turtle allows it to withdraw its head and limbs and close its shell tightly like a box. But in nocturnal raids, raccoons dig up nests of turtle eggs, stalk the walnut-sized young, and claim anything left unprotected by turtles to slow retreat.

: 100 ears

On July 3, 1921, a naturalist named John Treadwell Nichols recorded a new entry in his leather-bound field journal. Writing in a neat, cursive script, he described a newly found Eastern box turtle, the 21 st one of the year at the estate where he spent summers with his wife and children. The turtle's concave underside, or plastron, suggested it was a male, as did irs red eyes.

And from the growth rings on irs plastron and domed shell, or carapace, the turtle appeared to be at least 19 years old. Nichols carved the code "JN21-21" into its hard 51/4" plastron with a penknife. Then, as usual, he liberated the turtle at the flagpole near the edge of the front yard.

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widely variable in color and design, the highly dorned carapace of an Eastern box turtle often incorporates orange or yellow sunbursts or dappled patterns that rnirnic the effect of sunlight filtering through the leaves.

JN21-21 bears a delicate orange design that belies the often brutal changes to it's habitat. It has survived hurricanes that felled entire forests, brushfires that blackened the land and pesticides that silenced the calls of frogs and toads.

Creatures such as box turtles face a

"You'll see them burned, chewed, with three lirnbs, with two limbs," says Stavdal. Yet they persevere. ''They recover, they're incredibly tough," he says. Their survival may also stem from their opportunisrn. An Eastern box turtle will eat everything frorn mushrooms and berries to worms, slugs, and carrion as it forages through field and forest. Irs biggest threats, according to Stavdal, are the development and habitat fragmentation that perpetuate it isolation.

The park ranger taps a black and white aerial photograph of the 613acre William Floyd Estate. The property's patchwork of cleared fields and darkened woods appears hernmed

The Newsletter of the :Minnesota Herpetological Society

in by the coastline to the south and east and partially wooded suburban yards to the north and west. "Places like this will be their salvation," Stavdal says of the estate, ''This and the pine barrens, because they don't handle development well, Turtles just can't get up and flyaway like a bird."

While Nichols worked as a curator at the American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan during the week, his children stayed at the estate and kept the turtles they caught in a brick window well near the front porch. Upon his return, he paid them two cents for each unmarked turtle, and five cents for each marked one. From 1914 until his death in 1958, Nichols released JN21-21 and nearly 1,000 other box turtles by the estates old flagpole.

From his meticulous and prolific notes, he discovered that strong homing instincts eventually led each one back to a home range with a diameter of little more than 250 yards.

Although few records exist to help researches determine the normal life span of a box turtle in the wild, JN2121 is among Long Island's oldest.

But regardless of age, he and his fellow turtles are now priceless - as much treasured natural resources of a beloved estate as they are true survivors in an ever changing landscape. Perhaps 100 years from now, another wizened Eastem box turtle roaming somewhere around the William Floyd Estate will continue the tradition, a mark of compassion notched upon its shell.

Reprinted from "The Herpetologisf' Sept. 2003 ยง

Michigan

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(midwest ......from page 5) free roaming owls, frogs, water snakes and gators. The Dome exhibit was superb, in originality and execution. We only had time enough for a quick tour of this one portion of the much larger Omaha Zoo grounds, but it was time well spent.

I encourage everyone who has an opportunity to visit the Omaha Zoo and its many attractions, although I think herpers will love the Desert Dome the most.

The rest of the symposium matched in quality many prior Midwest's, even surpassing several in their organization and execution. Not a bad accounting overall for a society hosting their first event of this scale. However, they have some experience as they currently run an annual captive bred herp show and sale, Overall, now in its 9th year.

Nebraska gets a good rating for their first attempt. Let's Hope that they will continue to participate in the years to come.

Speakers on Saturday presented a good variety of topics and even included a few who work at the Omaha Zoo. Whether it was Robert Sprackland on "The History of Monitors in Herpetoculture" or Andrew Koraleski on "Husbandry Changes for the Uroplatus Species at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo"; all talks were entertaining and informative. The Keynote speaker, Dr. James

Numbcl'I2

Fawcett, of the University of Nebraska, and longtime supporter of NHS spoke on the "Herpetofauna of New Zealand", his country of origin. His was an entertaining tour of the country punctuated with humor and his unique aussie accent.

Other activities proceeded smoothly from the hospitality suite to the buffet ending with a decent, but sparse auction. The number of vendors was a bit slim; dry goods were open all weekend with live animal sales occurring only on Sunday. However, there was still enough variety of items available that you could still easily empty your wallet. Whether you wanted a t-shirt, or were looking for that special book or an animal such as Rhacodactylus leachianus henkeli, you could find it here.

Please think about attending one of these symposia, as they are worthwhile in the people you meet, the new friends you make plus you will be supporting a local society while linking yourself with herpers from across the Midwest.

st. Louis Next year the Hepetological SOCiety will host the symposium in St. Louis Missouri. In 2005, The Midwest comes home again to Minnesota.

Please plan on attending, tell all your friends, and volunteer to make the Midwest one of the strongest shows in the nation!

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December 2003

Needy, Oh, So Needy

by Marilyn Brooks Blasus

MHS is looking for the following people: Herp Helper. Requires a phone, knowledge on as herp topic, and patient attitude. You would be listed by category in the newsletter as Herp Assistance for members with questions to call. Although you might not have all the answers, you can hopefully give them a direction to continue to search for their answers. Current people on the list estimate they receive one call a month.

Photogenic Personalities.

Requires project planning, looks are not important, and no photo skills are necessary. During the March White Snake Sale, members submit their work to our Photo Contest. The Chair assembles the photos, gets the prizes, sets up the display and figures out who won.

People with stuff. Requires stuff, new or old, clean or .. (no, make that clean), and transportation.

Each month (except March), MHS has a raffle. These items are donated by members. The more stuff people bring in, the less chance you go home with socks (more pairs are still coming). In March, MHS has the White Snake Sale (a silent auction) instead of our regular meeting. The items at the WSS are also donated (new and used) from members in addition to those solicited from businesses. Think of it as your first chance at spring cleaning.

Page 10

Edg-a-ma-caded people.

Requires talking, traveling, repeating yourself, and repeating yourself. One of the greatest things MHS does for the general public is our Hands-on events.

At the request of nature centers, schools, and other places, our members will bring their animals and tell people about them. Now, there are some rules to follow and you do need to know basic information about your animal, but don't worry that you don't know everything (others will be there to help). One of the best things is when you meet someone who has never touched a reptile before and help them learn to appreCiate the animal - this is very gratifying. Of course, you will learn how to answer 'does it bite?' in your sleep, you get asked so many times. So next time you hear the Education Chair tell us what events are coming up, consider volunteering.

Sweeties.

Requires domestic kitchen skills, either old fashion or modern. You know when you arrive at the meeting, and there are some treats on the table down front, so you wonder over and have some? Well someone has to bring the goodies. For those who can't cook, just buy something at the store. Actually, it could be healthy food, but sugar just seems to go faster. Appreciated by everyone; except those on a diet.

Poets. story tellers. web surfers. creative types for newsletter.

Requires reading and/or writing.

The newsletter should be filled with articles (or other forms of printable media, i.e. a puzzle or a poem) to make it fun to read. Weather you

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are artistic, or wordy, or just read something cool someplace else (or heck! get a non-herper to do something) pass on what you can to the Editor. This doesn't require specific knowledge or technical writing as you could write about your first herp, memories as a kid with herps, your first visit to TCR, the herp you have had the longest time, the critter you just got, a herp you always wanted, the trip you took and what you found (or didn't find), or any number of topics.

Homemakers. Requires concern for animals long term welfare, that you know the definition of herpetoculture, general understanding of herp care, passion, and spending some of your time during the break at the monthly meeting.

The Adoption Committee members decide with whom the animals will be placed, occasionally picking up or housing an animal temporarily, and doing some paperwork. If you love working with animals, consider being a foster for a month for herps that didn't find a home at the meeting.

Artists - Artwork - in the broadest form. Requires paper, imagination, and maybe some artistic talent. We can always use original art for: 1) t-shirts - single or limited color design that will reproduce well on cloth, 2) newsletter - black & white designs, could be photos, drawings, cartoons, children's master pieces, etc., 3) raffle - anything from colorful painting to framed 4x6 photo, but no nudes, 4) holiday banquet - something special as the door prize, anything from sculpture to antique, or 5) Prints - black and white, usually pen and ink to be

The Newsletter of the IVlinnesola HeI1)ctological Society

used as fund raiser or as gift to contributing and sustaining members.

Handyman (or woman). Requires attendance, a hand or two, and being friendly. Your already attending the meeting anyway, right!?

So, see if there is something you could help the society with. Sell raffle tickets, learn and/or help with AV stuff, be a 'shusher' in the back of the room, introduce yourself to new members, or make refreshments. If you have an idea of something new that would help MHS, please let a board member know.

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Volume 23

preparation, such as soliciting for donations or making nametags.

Lastly, a group of people during the event to help with lots of smaller tasks, such as: answering questions, watching doors, assisting at the auction, or stocking the refreshments in the hospitality room.

Outdoor Types_ Requires walking, sighting, and catching helps.

Each late spring I early summer, for a weekend, MHS hosts a field survey. This is usually within an hourtwo hour drive of the cities. With a large group of people, an area is canvassed to document all species of herps found. There are camping accommodations for those who can really 'rough' it. A report is provided to MHS and the park that gave us permission to herp. You don't need experience in the field.

Plus this is a great opportunity for members who have experience to pass on tips. Even though this is a few months away, think of what fun you will have with a group of your herper friends in the field, every time it snows.

Holiday Spirit - Chair the Banquet.

Requires planning, shopping, creativity, holiday cheer, and some coordination skills. The evening after the December meeting, MHS has a family friendly get together with a potluck dinner and a speaker. A complete set of instructions are written to guide someone who wants to follow the same plan; otherwise you could find a whole new way to do it. You will receive help from the board Bored Members (ok, Board). and prior chairs. If you attended Requires minimum of two evenings this year's, you will know how a month (depending on the posimuch fun it is and can take over tion), fresh insight, commitment, from there. and no prior knowledge of board doings. Besides the obvious (and Midwest Groupies. Requires lots some not so obvious) tasks associand lots of people, commitment ated with board functions, the MHS that will last through Oct. 2005, and Board helps develop direction of inability to say 'no' is helpful. We MHS and 'speak' on behalf of the are looking for a different type of general membership during discusvolunteer during various times until sion and when voting. Ask any we host the Midwest board member about what they do.

Herpetological Symposium in So if you are bored, consider 2005. First, people are needed attending the monthly Board meetwho will help plan and organize. ing it get a feel for what happens.

Then, during 2005, who help with Then, next November, you could

Number 12

put your name on the ballot.

State Fair Display Poser.

Requires a snake or turtle that can skip eating for a couple weeks, have a tolerance for being stared at, and good looks. The DNR display needs a Bull, Hognose, Garter, and Fox snake, plus a Painted, Snapping, Blanding's, and a Wood turtle for a hands-off educational display for the visitors to the MN State Fair. Animals are checked daily, see next item.

State Fair Display Keeper.

Requires a desire to attend the MN State Fair, time to check the herps, ability to wander without getting lost, and maybe clean at 9 PM. The DNR gives us free passes for our members to check the herps daily and clean (after the building closes) when needed. You will receive packet with all instructions in advance. This may seem a long time away, but keep it in the back of your mind for when August rolls around.

Wealthy gentleman to give us money. Requires money, so we can buy things that we need like a couple laptops. Of course, if someone knows of one that can be donated, that would be great. Of course, money keeps us going, growing, and able to support conservation and education efforts.

If you think you can help in any area listed (or area not listed), please contact a member of the board or call me at 952-925-4237.

Thanks for helping where you can.

Page 11

December 2003

(chair.... continued from page 7)

5) Delivery: About 3-5pm on the day of the meeting, depending on the load, I start packing everything to come to the meeting, leaving the house to arrive at the meeting to be set up by 6:30 or so.

6) Announcements: Try to come up with interesting things to say about what's in the back.

7) Decisions: Take the break to discuss placement with the committee, Le. whoever is willing to help making the decisions.

8) Dispersal: Make sure all the animals go to the right people. Find fosters for any animals that didn't get adopted.

9) Pack up: Make sure area is clean and nothing is left behind.

10) Clean containers, get everything put away, do report, start all over for next month.

MHS Election Results

by Barb Buzicky

President: Randy Blasus Vice-President: Tony Gamble Recording Secretary: Barb Buzicky Membership Secretary: Nancy Haig Treasurer: Liz Bosman Newsletter Editor: Bill Moss

Member At Large: Jodi Aherns As near as I can figure I spend Mike Bush some where between 25 and 50 Heather Clayton hours a month working with the Nancy Hakomaki adoption program. In addition to this, due to the fact that I am the "reptile expert" (that's 'cause they The incumbents retained most of have my phone number, not their positions except for two because I'm an expert!) I from time previousBoard members taking to time have been called to assist over the positions of Membership governmental agencies in various Secretary and Treasurer. There is capacities. Makes life interesting! a new member that is joining the Board, Mike Bush for the first time.

While I am not interested in leaving If anyone ever wants to become the post at this time it has been said part of the Executive Board of MHS that any time you are indispensable but is hesitant, the best place to it is time to quit. We are always look- start would be to run for a position ing for volunteers and would be as Member At Large. This position happy to include people on many will introduce you to how the Board functions and to learn about all the different levels. ยง other positions and duties. The Member At Large is an integral part of the Board as they participate in the decision making process of the Page 12

Volume 23

Number 12

Board along with chairing projects or committees. If you are dedicated to herpetology, join the Board!

Just a reminder to anyone that wants to work with the Board but doesn't want to retain an executive position, you can join a project or a committee at any time. If you have any questions, please contact a Board Member or Chair Person for further information on current ongoing projects or new ones coming up where assistance and expertise are needed. The Board and Chair positions are not all work; there is fun and enjoyment at the events such as the Vet School Open House, Hands On, RenFest, Parades, and Pet Fair, just to name a few. You will also have a chance to get to know other members and their areas of interest in herpetology, and you can meet professional Herpetologists in the area of research and medicine. The herpetology network has increased its size over the last few years tenfold. There are numerous publications and websites to further your interest.

Step aboard for the ride of your life!!!!

The Newsletter of the Minnesota He1vetological Society

NOVEMBER SPEAKER REVIEW

by Barb Buzicky

Speaker:

Tim Watkins

Program: Tadpoles: The Other White Meat Tirn Watkins is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Macalester College in St. Paul. He is in his third year there, and he is working on getting a research project on tadpoles up and running. He got into herpetology when he was a graduate student.

People will probably wonder how he got into tadpoles as they are such curious creatures. He chose them to study since not much was actually known about them. They have other names such as pollywog coming from Middle English and wiggle head. We mostly know them as tadpoles which is a word that means toad head. Believe it or not, there are many varieties of tadpoles in North America about eighteen species that have been discovered so far. They come in many shapes and forms with heads of different sizes and configurations, bodies that can be elongated or curved, and tails that can be long or short. Some are larger and wider, and some are smaller and narrower. They look like eerie creatures from millions of years ago.

He has acquired a new appreciation for tadpoles as they swim at different speeds and form many different patterns. Tim studied swimming speeds and predation in tadpoles and raised some interesting questions. Why is there a variation in speed? What is the

December 2003

Volume 23

effect of temperature on swirnming speed? On the tadpoles themselves? What are their levels of activity? What effect does predations have on swimming speed?

Some tadpoles like to bury themselves in streambeds in the sand, and others like to bury themselves in leaf litter. They can live in many different environments. Further, they can live in an environment that has a higher than normal oxygen level. Frogs can lay their eggs anywhere in the environment, for example, the red eyed tree frog lay their eggs on the under side of a leaf in weeds that overhang streams. As far as predators are concerned, the laid eggs are open game along with the tadpoles after they hatch. Snakes are notorious predators of these eggs in any . developmental state even the tadpoles. There is an interesting phenomen on that Tirn is investigating during the predation by snakes when they are in the act of eating eggs the will hatch immediately and drop from the leaf. He wonders what causes the rest of the egg mass to react in this way. Is it vibration? Do the tadpoles have some innate triggering mechanism?

Are swimrning speeds and predation somehow an integral part of natural selection? Wow, that is an interesting question. Why is there such variation in the swimrning speed of tadpoles? Tim conducted many experiments to actually track speeds and patterns. He found that tadpoles swam fast, slow, and in great bursts, in a variety of patterns that at one tirne were just assumed to be random without a

Number 12

purpose. Tim is discovering that there may be many reasons for these speeds and patterns. What are the consequences of variation?

What are the causes of that variation?

Tim conducted some experirnents on the relationship between the swimming speed of tadpoles and a natural predator of tadpoles, the garter snake. He wanted to know if there was a predation pattern that the snake would use against the tadpoles. Did the speed of the swimming tadpoles determine which ones would be eaten by the snakes? Would a tadpole have to be a fast swimmer to elude the snake? Would the slow tadpoles get picked off sooner? He concluded that the fastest swimrners did mostly elude snakes, but he found sorne of all speeds that did survive his experiment. Snakes are imposing natural selection on the tadpoles. But, if you are a tadpole and can swim fast, your chances of survival are rnuch greater.

Tim also wanted to know if temperature had an effect on how fast the tadpoles would swim. Tadpoles are affected by temperature shifts, and they have a fatal reaction to very high temperatures. But, tadpoles can adjust to temperature changes over time. Currently, not much is known about the effects of temperature on the developrnent of eggs.

But, from his studies he found that tadpoles developing in lower temperatures took longer to hatch and were larger than their counterparts at normal temperatures. If temperature does effect the development of the eggs, would that have an Page 13

路December 2003

Volume 23

Number 12

effect on the swimming speed of MHS BOARD MEETING the tadpole? From his studies, he REVIEW concluded that tadpoles reared in November 8, 2003 cooler temperatures were faster

by Bam 8uzicky, Recording Secretary swimmers. Would incubation temperature affect swimming speed?

The Board Meeting was called to order He did a study with wood frogs, at 6:08 PM CST. Rana Sylvatica, because of the way the eggs are laid. They lay All Board Members were present them in huge masses where there except Jeff LeClere. Non-Board can be temperature fluctuations Members present were Uz Bosman from the outside of the mass to the and Nancy Haig. inside of the mass. He concluded that there was no effect on swimMinutes from the FebrualY, 2003, ming speed after the tadpo~es meeting was not available. Minutes hatched from temperatures varying from the April, 2003, Meeting were between 15 degrees Celsius and approved with changes. Minutes from 21 degrees Celsius. Thus, a tadthe July, 2003, meeting were approved pole's ability to escape predators with changes. Minutes from the can have other variables such as October, 2003, meeting were approved size of the pond or stream, sun verwith changes. Treasurer's Report for sus shade, and the design of the October, 2003, was approved. terrain including rocks, sand, and Membership Report for August, 2003, plants, allowing the tadpole to find was not available. Membership Report some protection. for October, 2003, was not available.

Membership SecretalY-Nancy Haig, Treasurer-Uz Bosman, Newsletter Editor-Bill Moss, Members At LargeHeather Clayton..Jodi Aherns-Mike Bush-Nancy Hakomaki. Approved 2004 budget was handed out. $400 was moved and approved for the Holiday Banquet Budget, and $300 was approved for speaker fees and program. Changes to July's minutes were recorded and April's minutes were redone. The Science Museum of Minnesota is giving us a grant of $600 for MHS to conduct a professional sUlVey of what a member expects out of the organization and what the board can do. Randy will be following up on this project, may need a volunteer to assist. The first meeting of the Minnesota Herp Symposium officers will meet the evening of November 22, 2003.

Discussion of adoption and alligator issue.

Tim's talk has raised our consciousness and respect for tadpoles as an interesting topic for research.

He recommended a book to read if you want to leam more about them. The book was written in 1999, titled "The Biology of Anuran Larvae" written by Roy W. McDiarmid and Ronald Altig.

New Business: Reminder that 2003 volunteer hours are due from the chairs by JanualY 2004. The 2004 calendar was handed out with a listing of board meetings for the year. Board Contact Ust was handed out to board members for updating.

New e-mail for Randy and Marilyn Blasus:Blasus@nm.rr.oom.

General Meeting attendance for November 7, 2003, was 123.

Presidenfs Report: Randy is going to start a series of sessions on Board Development for 2004.

George Richard is being called upon to help increase membership volunteerism.

Vice-President Report: December General Meeting and Holiday Banquet speaker, Paul Freed.

JanualY-none, FebrualY speaker-Bob Espanosa, March-White Snake Sale, April-none, June-Noah Anderson.

Old Business: Election results: President-Randy Blasus, VIC6-President-Tony Gamble, Recording SecretalY-BaJb Buzicky,

Page 14

Next Board Meeting: JanualY 9, 2004, St. Paul Student Center, Room 202, 6 PM CST. Unless issues arise where a Board Meeting will be called in December.

Meeting adjoumed at 7:12 PM CST.搂

Decem bel' 2003

WORLDS MOST ENDANGERED ALLIGATORS RELEASED IN CHINA

animals will increase breeding opportunities.

Volume 23

NumbeI'12

Damages From Snake Bite at $1.6 Million

"This is an experimental release designed to see how feasible it will 8/5/03, New York Law Journal be to use captive-reared alligators Three adult Chinese alligators - the for future reintroduction pro- The former head keeper of reptiles world's most endangered crocodil- grams,?said WCS conservationist at the Long Island Reptile Museum ian species - were successfully Dr. John Thorbjarnarson. "It will who was bitten by a West African released in China recently by a also help scientists understand Gibbon Viper snake has received team of biologists in an effort to more about the behavior and ecol- an award of $1.6 million from a help restore the species to the ogy of this species, and how resi- Nassau County Supreme Court refYangtze River valley, the New York- dent alligators may adapt to the eree for his injuries. Plaintiff Robert based Wildlife Conservation presence of new animals.

McDonald Jr. was attempting to clean the deadly snake's cage The Chinese alligator, known local- when it bit his right hand. Mr. ly as Tu Long, or "muddy dragon," McDonald was helicoptered to the is one of just two alligator species Jacobi Hospital's anti-venom unit in the world, having diverged from but sustained an eight-inch scar their American counterparts at least above his arm, and two more eight20 million years ago. They reach inch scars on each hand. He also lengths of about six feet - only half lost 40 percent of his hand the size of American alligators - and strength. Most victims do not surfeed on small fish, snails, crayfish. vive bites from the African snake, Society (WCS) announced today.

Among crocodilians, the Chinese the referee's decision stated. alligator is the most endangered, Referee Elizabeth L. Rosenblum, in by the Philippine, McDonald Jr. v. Long Island Reptile Currently numbering less than 130 followed individuals, wild populations of Siamese, Cuban and Orinoco croc- Museum, 6427-98, awarded Mr. Chinese alligators are currently rel- odiles. WCS is currently working to McDonald $1 million for future pain egated to a few drainage ditches protect all five species. and suffering, $500,000 for past and farm ponds in China's Anhui pain and suffering and $141,440 for Province, with their numbers con- The future survival of the Chinese future lost wages. The referee continuing to decline as much as six alligator outside of breeding cen- sidered that Mr. McDonald, who did percent annually.

The three ters will depend on the success of not want to return to work at the released animals came from an alli- efforts to bolster existing groups, or museum, was unable to work in his gator breeding center. Scientists establish new groups of individuals previous occupation in! construcequipped each individual with a by releasing captive-bred animals tion. radio transmitter to track its move- into areas of suitable habitat, ments. according to WCS. At its Bronx (Editor -Through Lori Green, who Zoo headquarters, WCS maintains is trying to get the Long Island The team, which included mem- a population of Chinese alligators, Reptile Museum up to basic bers of WCS, Anhui Forest and is the leader of its Species humane standards of care, the Department, and East China Survival Plan, which involves a netowner denies knowledge of this Normal University, chose a site work of zoos working to maintain case.) ยง called Hong Xin, a 20-acre artificial healthy captive populations. lake used for rice and tea farming.

HerpDigest V3#50 The pond already contains a few ยง individual alligators, and biologists are hopeful that release of the new Page 15

December 2003

Thc Newsletter of the I'vlinncsota HCllJctological Socicty

Volume 23

Influence Of Environmental Humidity And Dietary Rattler Got Your Tongue?

Protein On Pyramidal Growth Of Carapaces In African (1992, Spurred Tortoises (Geochelone Sulcata).

Wiesner CS, Iben C.

cium, phosphorus and haematocrit were measured and compared among groups. Dry environmental conditions (24.3-57.8% and 30.6! 74.8% relative humidity) produced taller humps than humid conditions (45-99% relative humidity). Hump formation differed significantly (p <

Instit~te of Nutriti~n.' Univer~ity of Vetermary Medlcme, Vienna, Austria. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2003 Feb;87(1-2):66-74.

The carapaces of captive-raised tortoises (terrestrial chelonians of the zoological family Testudinidae, often develop pyramidal-shaped osseous growth centrally within the homy plates. With very few exceptions (e.g. Geochelone elegans, Psammobates sp.), this conical growth pattem is considered to be pathologic. This very common defect is believed to be an important indicator of the quality of captive tortoise management. This study was designed to examine the effect of dietary protein level and African spurred Tortoise with extreme environmental humidity on the pyramidal growth degree of pyramidal growth in the carapaces. Fifty recently hatched or = 0.001) between these three African spurred tortoises (G. sulca- groups kept under different humidity conditions. Variable dietary protein had a minor, positive impact on this pathological formation of humps (pyramidal growth syndrome, PGS). Analysis of blood (calcium, phosphorus and haematocrit) offered no further explanation as to the development of the humps. HerpDigest V4 #11 §

tal were raised for 5 months under artificial conditions of varying environmental humidity and dietary protein content (14% vs. 19% vs.

30% crude protein in dry matter).

Humps of the carapaces that developed and blood values of calPage 16

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California) Snakes flick their forked tongues in the air to "smell" the world, collecting molecules and analyzing them by pressing thir tongue tips tips them into small olfactory pits. An inebriated twenty-year-old man, apparently unaware of this biological fact, took umbrage when a wild rattlesnake stuck out its tounge at him. Tit for tat! He held the rattler in front of his face and stuck his tongue out right back at it. The snake expressed its displeasure at this turn of events by biting the conveniently offered body part. The toxic venom swelled the man's face and throat, choking him to death. source: www.dawinawards.com

Photos That Make You Say Hmmmmmmm??

The Newsletter of the tvlinnesota Herpetological Society

December 2003

Volume 23

Number 12

Minnesota Herpetological Society Treasurer's Report

Sarah M. Richard "Making &ally Drea;/I~ Realiiy .... ~

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

. Find Me: (612j7S1,9544.. .

Bus: (651 636-3760 Fax: (651) 639-6<118 .. sarahrichard®edmarealty.cqt;n

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~~CMlD

mnMIal Only $5 Per Month •.•••• $55 Per Year

Income: Membership Sales (net) Donations Raffle Misc.

Total Income:

$ 675.00 $ (92.50) $ 330.54 $ 58.00 $ 1,313.00 $ 2,284.04

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

Total Expense: Net Gain I (Loss):

$

386.30

$ 200.92 $ 304.00 $ 0.00 $ 67.51 $ 365.94 $ 1,324.67 $ 959.37

-Reptiles -Amphibians -Invertebrates -Small Mammals -fishComplete Line 01 Cages, Food, Books &Supplies for All Animals ©

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The Newsletter of the ~linncsota HCIl)ctoiogical Society

December 2003

Number 12

Volume 23

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 specltically requested to continue).

For Sale

Wanted

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

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

Wanted: Creative people to come up with fun MHS rodent sales ads.

Frozen Rabbits - all sizes.

Prices very reasonable - pinkies to adults. Jim Oaluge Wanted: The Minnesota Zoo's Zoomobile 763.295.2818 program is interested in acquiring healthy, handleable snakes of the following species Flightless Frultflies - Excellent food for for use in our out-reach education prodart frogs, mantellas, hatchling geckos, gramming: 2 bullsnakes, 1 Western foxsbaby chameleons, spiderlings, and other small herps. Two species available: Drosophila melanogaster (small) and Drosophila hyde! (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 MHS meetings. Call Tony Gamble 612-747-6682 or email tgamble@attbi.com +++ For Sale: 2003 hatchling snakes, all produced by me.

Corn Snakes: $15.00$25.00 depending on color phase. and Normals, Anerythristics Hypomelanistics, ($15.00 ea), Amelanistics and Snows ($20.00 ea) and Ghosts ($25.00 ea). Discounts for quantity purchases.

Sinaloan Milk Snakes: $40.00 ea. Ball Pythons: $40.00 ea (only males available) Adult snakes. 1.1 pair of hybrid Northern pine X Bull snake. 3 yr old proven breeders $120.00/ pro 0.1 Bullsnake. 5 yo produced

by Randy Blasus.

Snappish attitude. $50.00, 0.1 Mex Milk snake, 6 yo. Also with a snappish attitude. $60.00; 3.8 adult normal Leopard Geckos. Proven breeders. $10.00 to $25.00 each. Make me an offer on the whole group. I can deliver to MHS meetings, Call me at 651 481-0127 ask for Mark Schmidtke ++ For Sale: 0.0.5 Black ratsnakes (E.o.obsoleta), $10 ea.

OK Compton 612.872.7266 comptOOI @umn.edu ++

Wiud COIIfiI1m !JdWr

nake, 1 Okeetee cornsnake, 1 Eastern milksnake. We would be willing to purchase these animals and would prefer to acquire young, captive¡bred indivdiuals, whenever possible. Potential sellers would need to be willing to fill out the Minnesota Zoo's Vendor Profile form, which is required by the Minnesota Zoo for every animal purchase made by the Zoo. Please contact Zoomobile Lead Naturalist, Kevin Wier at (952) 431-9258 or e-mail + Kevin.wier@state.mn.us

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Pinkies

$7/dz

Fuzzies

$7/dz

Fuzzies

$15/dz

Ho,m ers Adults

$8/dz

SmAdult

$18/dz

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Pinkies

$9/dz

Mad Adult

$24/dz

.LgAdult

$30/dz

Jumbo

$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 Page 18

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'12th month is free on a one year commitment

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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 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 occas!onal omission.

$55Near' $110Near' $220Near' $440Near'

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

•

Classified Ads: AU active members are allowed a classified ad, run free of charge as space permits. Ads may be ran three consecutive months, after which time they may be resubmitted. Corresponding members are allowed a complimentary busl· ness card advertisement monthly as space permits. Due to federal restrictions on Non-profit maH!ng permits. we are not allowed to run ads for travel. credit or Insurance agencies.

~~

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

r-----------------------------------------------, Minnesota Herpetological Society Membership Application l New

Name

Renewal

Address

Membershlp#

City, State, Zip,

Type

Phone

Check #

Herp related interests

Email

..

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

List in MHS Directory?

Yes

No

Contributing ($30/year) BaSIC ($15/year)

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

State DOB Required check info. Drivers Lic # 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.

L _______________________________________________

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Non-Profit Rate U,S, Postage PAID Mpls, MN Permit No, 2275

-"" MINNESOTA HER.PETOLOGICAL SOCIETY - BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY i" 10 CHURCH STREET SE "'" MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

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ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER BY DECEMBER 3

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