Vol. 23 (2003), No. 4

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE

s

APRIL

2003

o

VOLUMB

23

y

T

I

NUMBER

4

Board of Directors President Randy Blasus

Bell Museum of NatUf<l1 History, 10 Church Street SoutheClst, Minneapolis Minnesota 55455-0104 952.925.4237

reblas@msn.com Vice President Tony Gamble

763.424.2803

tgamble@atlbi.com

Recording Secretary Barb Buzlcky

Marilyn Blasus

blasus@msn.com

s

Minnesota o

651.631,1380

651.291.2546

heethuh@aot.com Brian ingbrelson 763.572.0487 ingelizard@yahoo.com Philip Woutat 952.924.9128 pmwou!a!@yahoo.com Heather Ingbretson 763.572.0487 h_ingbretson@yahoo.com

Immediate Past President Jodi L. Aherns 612.588.9329 groundgeckofreak@yahoo.com

Committees 612.781.9544 RealSarah@aol.com Education Jan Larson

t

y

Voice Mail, 612.624.7065

mngatorguy@msn.com

Adoption Sarah Richard

e

1

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

651.488.1383

Members al Laroe Heather Clayton

•

c

MHS We bpage: http,/Iwww.belimuseum.org/herpetology/Main.html MHS Group Email: http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/mnherpsoc.

April 2003

Newsletter Editor Bill Moss

Herpetological

612-916-7575

zzzbuzzl@aol.com Membership Secretary Nancy Hakomakl galorgal@boxfrog.com Treasurer

The

Volume 23

Number 4

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 wilh 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.

507.263.4391 jan.skunkhollow@Juno.com

Northern Minnesota Jeff Korbel

218.586.2588

Library Beth Girard

763.691.1650 bgirard@worldnetatt.net

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-

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 Vem & Laurie Grassel

763·428-4625

Crocodilians Jeff Lang Bill Moss

701.772.0227 651.488.1383

Lizards Nancy Halg Heather Matson

612.554.8446

Large Boas Pythons 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

Ierreslrial Turtles Fred Bosman John Levell

763.476.0306 507.467.3076

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

763.434.8684

Copyright 2003, Minnesota HerpetologIcal Society. Except where noted, contents may be reproduced for nonprofit, non-commercial use only. Alt materlal must be reproduced without change. Proper credit wilt be gIven IncludIng the author/photographer and the MHS Newsletter citing: volume. number and date.

The NewsleUer of the !v1il111esota Hell)ctolo,gical Socicty

The Vice-presidents report

By Tony Gamble

April General Meeting Friday, April 4th , 2003, 7:00 PM Program: The Impact of Commercial Harvest on Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta) Guest Speaker: Tony Gamble The most challenging part of being MHS Vice-president is the logistical situations that arise regarding the monthly speaker. Flights get delayed or canceled, speakers get lost driving to the meeting site, and family or work commitments change at the last minute. I learned early on to always have a backup speaker or two ... just in case.

April's meeting will show that this contingency planning works. So, in an awkward, first person narrative, here is the April Vice-president's report.

Tens of thousands of painted turtles are commercially harvested in Minnesota each year for sale to biological supply companies and the pet trade. To date, little is known about the impact of this harvest on painted turtle populations.

Research is currently underway to change this. I've spent the last two years catching and marking painted turtles in twelve harvested and ten non-harvested lakes in central Minnesota.

The goals of my research are to: determine the Cover: Two children experience seeing and touching a lizard for the first time at Pet Fair - 2003

April

2003

Volumc 23

effects of past commercial harvest on sample painted turtle populations in Minnesota; characterize the practices used by current commercial painted turtle harvesters; develop a computer model of painted turtle population dynamics; and evaluate the social, cultural, and economic importance of the commercial painted turtle harvest in the state. I will present the results of my work, and the possible implications. I will also discuss the recent and proposed changes in legislation affecting turtle harvesting.

Finally, I will discuss a new project to examine the genetic impact of harvest on painted turtle populations.

Number 4

New Anti-Exotic Animal Legislation Bill May Be Introduced In MN This Year.

By Bill Moss

I ran across this information as I was scanning the internet for content for this issue. The information was in an article from the March 12 issue of the Star-Tribune. At present, the bill contains no mention of herps but I think we should keep an eye on it. The bill is S.F No. 769.

The article was not about reptiles specifically but it did say that antiexotic animal legislation was being introduced this year. Here is an April's meeting will be a great excerpt from the article: to hear about opportunity Most municipalities have laws Minnesota's turtles, the impact of harvest, and current legislation. I'll prohibiting ownership of exotic pets.

"You cannot have Bengal tigers roamsee you there.

April's Critter of the Month Theme: Your Harvested Herp Upcoming Meetings: Friday, May 2 nd, 2003 - Aaron Bauer, Villanova University Friday, June 6 th , 2003 - Dave Kizirian, L.A. County Museum Friday, July 11 th - Maureen Kearney, Field Museum of Natural History

ing around in town," said Keith Streff, director of investigations for the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley.

But should such an animal be owned by someone in a rural area ungoverned by municipal law, the issue would not be so clear-cut.

Minnesota has no laws regulating the sale and care of exotic animals, but Streff hopes that will change with a bill just introduced in the Minnesota Senate by Sen. Don Betzold, DFL-Fridley. The bill proposes to limit ownership and possession of certain dangerous exotic animals.

Just what are exotic animals?

"Anything that faUs outside the parameters of domesticated pet companions," Streff said. "Anything outsIde the norm."

This is the link to the article: http://www.startribune.com/stories/389/3746136.html

ยง photo by Bill Moss

Page 3

The Ncwsletter of the i\Jinncsota. Heqletological Society

Aplii

2003

Volumc 23

Number 4

News, Notes & Announcements March Adoption Report

by Sarah Richard, Adoption Chair

This month was a little slow with only 9 animals coming in, We placed 2 boas, 2 Iguanas, the king/rat cross and the red eared slider. One iguana and the 2 leopard gecko's went into rehab to get them healthy. We do have 5 Iguanas in foster looking for homes so if you know of anyone looking please contact Liz Redmond. Even with only 9 animals we still raised $115.00 for the society.

The adoption program also provided several large cages and a van full of small stuff for the white snake sale.

As always, thanks for your help.

Notice: Photo Contest Due to an unforeseen error on the Ballot for the Photo Contest, next month (April), the membership will have the opportunity to vote for' Peoples Choice out of those that won in their categories in March.

We apologize for the error and will work harder in the future to correct them prior to the event.

R.E. Blasus.

2003 MHS Field Survey We are tentatively planning to perform this year's field work at William O'Brien State Park set for June 21, 22. This park is situated on the St Croix River near Marine on the St Croix. Watch your Newsletters for further information on this. RE Blasus.

Page 4

Turtle races get their day at the Capitol

Upcoming Hands-On Events

Publishing date: 03-06-2003 12:34 PM

(St. Paul-AP) -- Let the races begin. Turtle races, that is.

Apr. 6 -Sunday - Vet School Open House, Saint Paul Campus, 11am-4pm

A House committee has embraced a bill that would ensure the touristdrawing events can continue as usual in Minnesota's lake country.

Earlier this year, officials in several small towns said a DNR interpretation of a turtle harvesting law could endanger the events.

Representative Larry Howes worked with the DNR on the bill that would allow people to take, possess, rent or sell up to 25 turtles to provide to children under 18 for turtle races.

The person would be responsible for the well-being of the turtles and after the race, they must return the animals to their" place of origin."

Apr. 12 - Saturday - Spring Park Clean-up, Phalen Park Pavilion, 12pm-3pm

The committee set the proposal aside for possible inclusion in a larger game and fish bill.

May 3 - Saturday -Env. Expo/Arborday Event, Ramsey Elem.8am-1pm

Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

May 17 - Saturday - Waterfest 2003, Phalen Park Pavilion, 10am-3pm

The Newsletter

or the Minncsota Herpetological Socicty

Minnesota's Father of Herpetology turns 100

by Randy Blasus

Some of you may not know that in this state one name stands clear in the field of herpetology, Walter Breckenridge. Though mainly an ornithologist, Breckenridge was the first one to publish a monograph on the amphibians and reptiles of Minnesota. The book he authored, Reptiles and Amphibians of Minnesota was published by the University of Minnesota Press originally in 1944. His through and detailed publication that he termed a 'handbook' set a high benchmark for future work in this state.

He is also known for his work on the dioramas found in the James Ford Bell Museum of Natural History of which institution he was to eventually become Director. This venerable building resides still on the east bank campus of the University of Minnesota.

Dr. Breckenridge also produced some of the earliest natural history films, one of which, Wood Duck Ways, was recently restored and shown at the Bell. He was also an artist whose work was displayed in books such as The Ghost Tree Speaks, a book of poetry by another esteemed fellow, Richard J. Dorer. Other works such as his portrait of an American Kestrel are still available in limited quantities.

This distinguished gentleman who was always willing to share his time with others will be celebrating his 100th birthday this yearl The Izaak Walton League's Walter

Ap,il 2003

Volume 23

Breckenridge Chapter in Brooklyn Park will be celebrating his birthday on March 25, 2003. We humbly send you our best wishes! ยง

TURTLE DIE-OFF The Ashville Citizen-Times, 10 Mar 03

Biologists in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park have a mystery on their hands. Something is killing snapping turtles at Cades Cove, and 44 turtles have turned up dead in the past 2 months.

Biologists are looking closely at a microscopic organism previously unknown in reptiles but have not ruled anything out, other than cold weather or a predator.

Number,!.

National Wildlife Health Center. The center discovered the presence of a microorganism found in birds. Ben Cash, ecologist and assistant professor of biology at Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee, said he does not believe the parasite has been found in reptiles before. It can be fatal. "It is a potential player," Cash said.

The dead turtle had elevated levels of iron in its liver. McLaughlin said the turtle examined at the Wildlife Health Center had no fat reserves and was "very, very anemic." ยง

"I am not ashamed to say we don't know what's going on right now," said Wastewater treatment operator Ron Click first began noticing the dead animals in December 2002 around wastewater treatment ponds at Cades Cove campground and developed areas. "To see what may be all of the turtles in one pond dying within a few weeks of each other is an extremely unusual event," said Grace McLaughlin, wildlife disease specialist with the National Wildlife Health Center in Wisconsin.

Keith Langdon, park supervisory biologist, said dead turtles have been found only in that area. But park officials want visitors to be on the lookout for wildlife "die-offs."

The dead turtles in the Smokies have been both male and female and all sizes. Park staff members captured one dying turtle and have sent the carcass to the

These photos of an American alligator and a Burmese python in a life or death struggle were captured in the Everglades. It has long been thought that these pythons are flourishing in Florida's tropical environment.

Page 5

The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

Aplil 2003

Volume 23

Number 4

MHS DOES A HANDS-ON EDUCATlONAL PROGRAM FOR Photos and text by Randy B/asus

On January the 18, 2003, eight members of MHS converged on the U of M Vet School to give a class of 25 students a brief synopsis on common pet trade amphibians and reptiles. Each MHS member displayed their animal and briefly covered its care and handling.

Students asked questions during the lecture and were allowed to interact one on one with the MHS members and their herps in the informal session that followed. Both the class and teacher were impressed with the program and spent considerable time talking with the volunteers.

Page 6

The Newsletter of the lviinnesota Herpetological Soeicly

1\pli12003

Volume 28

Number 4

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA VET SCHOOL STUDENTS

MHS was able to provide basic information on several species of amphibians and reptiles and provide an up-close and personal look at animals these students may meet in their future practice.

This is the second year of what is planned to be a continuing event.

Through events such as this, MHS will continue helping herpetoculture and Veterinary medicine to cross paths encouraging more interest in a discipline that can only benefit both parties.

Those wishing to participate in this event should watch for the announcement next year.

Page 7

Thc Ncwslctter of the Minncsota HCl-pctological Society

Apl11 2003

An Open Letter to the MHS ....

Dear Herpetological Society, I will be graduating from Veterinary School in a few months and I wanted to thank you for the incredible support I received over the past 4 years. I started vet school with an interest in reptile medicine, but no skills or knowledge. The Herpetological Society has been there for me every step of the way and created a new veterinarian who will be confident working with reptiles.

Volume 23

Number 4

Creature comforts Paul Evans Wednesday March 12,2003 The Guardian

The toad is right in the centre of the compost heap. When my spade slices sunlight through the heap, it nearly cuts the toad in half, missing it by inches. This is a charmed First, I want to thank Sarah Richard for giving up Thursday nights before toad. Palm-sized, the creature meetings so we could come over and practice performing physical exams sticks out its legs, raises its body on various reptiles leam how to handle them, and common problems.

Second, I want to thank everyone who donated animals for our Necropsy labs so I could leam anatomy of different species and various surgical techniques. Third, I would like to thank the entire Society for the opportunity to speak about the exciting things I learned from Dr. Mader in Florida. Fourth, I would like to thank everyone who brings animals to the Veterinary Open House- it proved to my classmates and my professors that there are people concerned about reptile health in the Twin City community. This gave support to our efforts to set up the first class and lab offered on reptile medicine. Finally, I would like to thank everyone for bringing animals to our Sat. Reptile lab - talking to my classmates afterwards I found the number of vet students interested in reptiles rose from 1 to 15. The general public and even many veterinarians have misconceptions about reptiles and their care- instead of complaining, the MN Herpetological Society has taken action to change the world and I wanted to let you know it is working! Thank you for being therel and expands to full threat-shape, in a kind of intimidating wrestler pose.

Sincerely, It has been found. And now, liberated from the dank, dark world where Kirsten Love it spent the winter, it brings the brown, warty life of the underworld into the sun.

The old country superstitions about where animals go in winter - swallows bury into muddy lake bottoms, geese turn into barnacles, toads hide inside rocks - are true in a sense. For people so deeply rooted in a few square miles of land, the mystery of the disappearance of familiar creatures needed an explanation. When we lost this kind of belief, when we saw the world as something we could change, we began to lose animals and plants Page 8

The Newsletter of the l\'!inncsota Herpetological Society

and the ties which bound us to them. Superstitions made a kind of truth from the way the world around people mattered and how creatures seemed to be invested with powers and capabilities people could imagine.

Toads, in myth and legend, have always been associated with the supernatural. They have an air of ancient wisdom, a contemplative stillness. They can move between the worlds of water and earth at will. They look stone-like, elemental creatures of an unreachable darkness, protected by poisons and the ability to shock or repulse; as such they offer the opposite of what is conventionally thought of as beauty, but something on which beauty depends. When the toad is found, it seems to me, so is spring.

§

Aplil2003

Volume 23

Number 4¡

Last-minute rescue for python devouring iii-chosen goat The Natal Witness, South Africa

Plenty of '1luffy white bunny rabbits" are needed to feed a hungry 3,6-metre African Rock Python that was almost killed by the owners of a goat it had swallowed at Tugela Estates outside Weenen.

'We need to fatten her up before we release her," said Vaughn Bekker (30), an amateur herpetologist and honorary Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife member who rescues and rehabilitates snakes at his own expense.

"The owner of the goat, a Mrs Masoka, and some friends were just about to hack the python to death when I stopped them," said Leon Krige of UWP Engineers PMB, who was working on an irrigation system in the area for the Agriculture Department.

"I was entering the campsite at about 7.30 am [on Monday) when I saw some people brandishing pangas. I wondered what was going on. Thafs when I saw the snake with a huge bulge in its belly. I suddenly realised that it was a python, a protected species, and that they were going to kill it, so I shouted for them to stop," said Krtge.

With the help of one of his workers Krige captured the snake, which regurgitated the goat in the process.

Krige eventually brought it to his home in Hilton on Monday evening, coiled in a sack on the back of his bakkie.

Bekker stuck his hand into the sack, and, assisted by his friend Wessel Strydom, pulled out a not-so-dozy python. Krige declined to handle the snake this time.

"At 12 kilograms, this beauty is a bit on the thin side," said Bekker. "The problem is that much of the wildlife near infonnal settlements is destroyed by snares. So a python on the prowl will sometimes slither right up to where a herd of goats are grazing, looking for a meal."

He added that they are often killed when caught, not only to protect the herd but also for their fat, which is used for muthi.

'Twenty to 30 years ago there used to be plenty of python in the area, but now there are hardly any. And they are endangered wherever you go.

Recently I found one so weak and thin it could not move the grass on which it was lying had already tumed yellow."

Bekker estimated that the snake is between seven and nine years old.

"She could still double in length," he said.

Asked what she will be fed on to fatten her up, Bekker said: "Bunny rabbits, lots and lots of fluffy white bunny rabbits."

And where does Bekker get them?

"Pet shops" §

Bekker arrived from Richmond soon Page 9

The Newslctter of thc rvIit1llcsota HCll)ctoiogic-al Soc-iety

Aplil 2003

Vohmlc 23

Number ,~

MI1S IS A lilT AT TI1E PET FAIR

by Bill Moss

MHS always draws a crowd.

12,000 pec)ple attended the show and most of them stopped to look

March 1st and 2nd at the Mpls Convention Center

Bill Stone and his Burmese python Page 10

Jan Larson with a happy little gator

The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

1\pl;12003

Volume 23

Ellen Heck with her boa, a former MHS adoption animal

This little guy gets to pet a gator

Future herper browsing the rack ...

"Hey! This isn't a library ya know buy something or move along!"

does a presentation to a *mostly* appreciative crowd. Is the young lady in the front row expressing an opinion of the talk, Jim?

ยง Page 11

The Newsletter of the Minncsota HClvctoiogicai Society

Aplil 2003

Volume 2B

Number ,t

HSUS recommends good hygiene and responsible pet care to reduce the risk of catching a disease from your pet.

by Tony Gamble

Salmonellosis can be a serious disease with approximately 500-1,000 deaths each year (CDC 1999). Most cases (about 95%) result from eating contaminated food but some cases are reptile related. Herpetoculturists and doctors have known for years that pet owners can reduce the risk of contracting Salmonellosis from their herp pets by practicing good hygiene and common sense. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) even provides a summary of these recommendations (listed below). The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) have taken the extreme position that, rather than reducing the risk of contracting reptile-associated Salmonellosis through hygiene and owner education, that people just get rid of their pets. In 2001 they called on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ban the sale of live reptiles as pets for this very reason (Franke and Telecky 2001).

The HSUS have taken a very different stand on another disease, toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is the third leading cause of food bome deaths in the U.S. with about 750 deaths reported each year (Lopez et al. 2000). While about half of infections are from undercooked meat and unwashed fruits and vegetables, domestic cats can also transmit this disease to humans. The added potential that an infected, pregnant woman can transmit the disease to her unbom fetus makes toxoplasmosis the reason why most doctors recommend that pregnant women avoid cleaning their cafs IiUer box while pregnant. It seems that the risks associated with toxoplasmosis cause many pregnant women to go one step further than not cleaning the litter box and they actually give up their pet cats. The HSUS have a continuing campaign in response to this trend and they feel that the threat of toxoplasmosis has been overstated.

"Many pregnant women give up their cats because of inaccurate infonmation about the risks of acquiring toxoplasmosis. The major source of toxoplasmosis is contact with improperly cooked meat. Another source is cat feces, but research has shown that pregnant women do not have to give up their cats. They should refrain from changing litter boxes or take simple precautions when they do. (Anonymous, 2003)" The HSUS has exaggerated the risks of reptile-related Salmonellosis in an effort to rid our homes of these "dangerous" pets while they urge cat owners to keep their pets and be realistic about the threats that cats pose with regards to toxoplasmosis. They push education for cat owners and a ban for reptile owners. This hypocrisy should not be lost on herpetoculturists.

More infonnation regarding the HSUS stance on toxoplasmosis and cats can be found on their web page: http://www.hsus.orglace/13946 More infonmation regarding the HSUS stance on reptiles and Salmonella can be found here: hUp://www.hsus.orgiace/12055 Literature Cited: Anonymous. 2003. Toxoplasmosis. All Animals 4: 10.

CDC. 1999. Salmonella Fact Sheets. http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/factlsalmonella.htm Franke, J. and T. M. TeJecky. 2001. Reptiles as Pets: An Examination of the Trade in Live Reptiles in the United States. HSUS. 146 pp.

Lopez, A., V. J. Dietz, M. \Vilson, T. R. Navin, and J. L. Jones. 2000. Preventing Congenital Toxoplasmosis. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtmllrr4902a5.htm

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has the fonowing recommendations for preventing transmission of Salmonella from reptiJes to humans: 1. Pet store owners, veterinarians, and pediatricians should provide information to owners and potential purchasers of reptiles about the risk for acquiring salmonellosis from reptiles.

2. Persons should always wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling reptiles or reptile cages.

3. Persons at increased risk for infection or serious complications of salmonellosis (e.g.. children aged less than 5 years and immunOCOmpromised persons) should avoid contact with reptiles.

4. Pet reptiles should be kept out of households where children aged less than 5 years or immunocompromised persons live. Families expecting a new child should remove the pet reptile from the horne before the infant arrives.

5. Pet reptiles should not be kept in childcare centers.

6. Pet reptiles should not be allowed to roam freely throughout the home or living area.

7. Pet reptiles should be kept out of kitchens and other food-preparation areas to prevent contamination. Kitchen sinks should not be used to bathe reptiles or to wash their dishes, cages, or aquariums. If bathtubs are used for these purposes, they should be cleaned thoroughly and disinfected with bleach.

Page 12

The Newsletter of the IVlinnesota Hel1>ctological Society

April 2003

Volume 23

Number ,t

Thank You, MHS Volunteers!

The Following list of people donated their time during 2002 for the Society.

Through Hands-On events, RenFest, White Snake Sale, Chair positions, Newsletter articles, Field Survey, etc. these members have been the driving force behind a variety of essential activities that makes MHS so successful.

We thank all those who chose to contribute their time for the Society as it is an invaluable commodity, one 10 hours or more Jodi Ahems

Thomas Annstrong Jeff Behrends Linda Bittner Marilyn Blasus Randy Blasus Fred Bosman Liz Bosman Dan Broseau Andrea Bruacks Judi Brumfield Barb Buzicky Donna Calander Caitlin Carver Nicole Cisewski TIna Cisewski Heather Clayton

Ingrid Edstrom Tracie Fullerton Tony Gamble Jim Gerholdt

Kara Giefer Rebecca Girard Beth Girard Jessica Girard Laurte Grassel Janna Grassel Vern Grassel Nancy Haig Bruce Halg Nancy Hakomaki Ellen Heck

Jim Heit Aaron Heil

which we cannot function without.

The list is separated according to the number of hours donated, either greater or less than 10 Those who have contributed 10 or more hours will receive an official MHS Snakebag at recognition at the April Meeting.

Everyone's contribution is valuable from those who can only spare an hour or two to those whose lives are deeply entwined in the Society. The

Heather Ingbretson Glen Jacobsen Mike Janni Tom Jessen Alex Kaiser Brian Kisely Casey Lang Mariah Lang Marit Lang Jan Larson Christina larson Ginny Larson Dalton larson Merle larson Scott Larson Beau larson Jeff LeClere John Levell

Richard Lucas Jen Manna Kati Marler Meg Martin TJ Martin

Gary Ash

Jeff Lang Bob Lang

Mike Baker Kaia Baker Sage Baker Samantha Berry David Bittner Steven Bittner Tom BUese Richard Bonk Liam Bonk Faye Boughton

Erin Bowen-Brazen Katy Bowen-Brazen Nick Bowen-Brazen Philip Bowen-Brazen

laurie Ford Matthew Girard Dian Grechten Jillian Gunderson Stephanie Gunderson Zachary Gunderson John Hogston Duncan Holstrom Ken Holstrom Michael Howard Mark Isaac Joe Jacobsen Anna Jensen Becka Jensen

Elizabeth Redmond

Anke Reinders Sarah Richard George Richard Mike Rohweder Bill Sandberg

Thomas Sasse Cheryl Sasse Mark Schmidtke Zachary Schmidtke

Nicholas Schmidtke

Bruce Kelly

Greg Kvanbek Heidi Kvebelbeck

Bill Moss

Jamie Pajak Ann Porwoll

Beth Jensen Peter Johnnson Ingred Kaiser James Kaiser

Less than 10 Hours

Jerimy Bundy

Sean Hewitt Jim Hoffman Jody Holstrom

John Ward Ananda Wold

Matt Martin Heather Matson John Meltzer Sean Menke Gordon Merck Anna Miller

Michelle Hewitt

Caltlan Holstrom Brian Ingbreston

Amy Squires Shanon Taylor Stan Tekiela

MHS Snakebag represents an obtainable goal that we hope our members can strive for and be proud to have received. The range of hours for each person is from a low of 30 minutes to a high 215 hours and total some 4728 hours (avg. 29 hours/volunteer). For those who would wish to contribute their time to MHS, please contact any Board member or Chair person, they will help to direct your enthusiasm.ยง

Nicole Burgess Damian Cady Brian Cranbrna Dennis Daly Marshall Emertoll

Miles larson Connie Levell Toni Uebsch Kirsten love Andy Martin

Ann McKenzie Daniel Michael Zach Michael Kimberly Miller John Morlarty Sara Nelmczyk

Deb Nelson Jodi Patnoe Sara PavUsh John Petersen Julie Rimblas Arran Sasse Alex Schmoll

Louanne Schrocck Dave Smith Patrick Squires Samantha Squires Alison steed Colleen stephens Donald Stephens Richard Stephens Tara Sullivan Cassandra Thompson Derek Ulveness Domonique Ulveness Paul Vestrone Abby Wold Philip Woutat

ยง

Page 13

The Newsletter of the !vlinnesota Herpetological Society

April 2003

Volume 23

Number ,t

by John P. Levell

"Spring's Lonely Hearted Herald" For most folks spring officially begins on the day of the Vernal Equinox, one of two celestial moments each year when the sun is positioned directly above Earth's equator. On these dates, as the n a m e Equinox imp lie s, both day and night are effectively divided into roughly equal units of 12 hours e a c h regardless of one's position on the planet.

Considering their cyclic occurrence, there can be little doubt that these biannual events have been celebrated as "harbingers of change" from the time of our earliest cave dwelling ancestors.

Others people; realizing that celestial position, calendar dates, and other purely arbitrary designaPage 14

tions of seasonal change are related solely to mankind's need to regUlate things, look for signs of winter's departure in more tangible and in some ways far less mysterious phenomenon. Those fabled April showers, for example, a glimpse of a Robin, budding Aspens and Willows, or the emergence of the first flowers of early spring.

Finding old Robin Redbreast to be somewhat unreliable, however, this author personally seeks signs of spring's arrival among more earthy, often wet, down and dirty

kind of things. Things like a solitary Tiger Salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum, methodically plodding across a township road in northern Fillmore County on a rainy and blustery early April day. One determined, sex-starved male bound for a secret rendezvous in some nearby marsh or pond where winter's smothering cap of ice has lost its grip and is rapidly retreating from the shore.

Once there, our lonely male will join perhaps several hundred of his kind, each eager to participate in the annual salamander's courtship dance. This ritualistic mating behavior occurs silently underwater, unlike that of their more vociferous and late arriving distant cousins the frogs and toads, hidden from the view of all but the most patient observers.

As is the case with most local amphibians, the life history of Tiger Salamanders always includes an aquatic gilled larval stage during

Thc Newsletter of the .Minncsota He1vetological Society

APlil 2003

Volume 23

Numbcr/l

which oxygen is extracted directly their own brothers and sisters. encounters or other isolated events from the water. Known as "water- Unlike the neotenes that simply in the animal's annual life cycle. For never fully grow example, while we know the up, cannibal species is among the first coldmorph Tiger blooded terrestrial vertebrates to S a I a man d e r s become active each spring (often grow faster and while ice is still present on area wettransform sooner lands), just how far they travel to than do normal reach spring breeding ponds is larvae. While the something that remains difficult to long-term evolu- answer. tionary conseExactly what adult Tiger quences of this Salamanders do upon leaving the behavior are diffi- breeding ponds is also a matter of cult to predict, it some speculation. We assume their is certainly summers are spent mainly underadvantageous in ground where they seek, capture dogs" to many fishermen due to situations where ponds dry too and consume a wide variety of small their widespread availability in bait quickly for normal development to subterranean organisms including worms, insects and other burrowing stores everywhere, these larvae take place. (unlike the tadpoles of frogs and Unfortunately, we begin to lose invertebrates. Their relatively poor toads) typically possess four fully touch with Tiger Salamanders soon eyesight and the frequency with formed limbs throughout most of this early developmental period.

Normally, larval Tiger Salamanders transform into air-breathing terrestrial adults following several months of aquatic juvenile existence.

At the same time, however, some of the most intriguing and baftling aspects of Tiger Salamander biology occur during the larval stage of their life cycle. In a phenomenon known as neoteny, for example, some or all individuals in certain populations will become functionally sexually mature while retaining all of their larval characteristics. These aquatic "adults" or neotenes live, breathe, and reproduce underwater and only rarely ever complete metamorphosis.

An even more bizarre twist The Tiger Salamander by Evan H. age 8 occurs in several populations where a significant percentage of larval after their transformation into fUII- which they are uncovered during stage Tiger Salamanders develop fledged terrestrial adults. Most of human digging and plowing activiinto highly specialized "cannibal what is known about this stage of ties lends at least some support to morphs" that will literally devour their lives is based upon chance this conclusion.

Page 15

The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

Adult Tiger Salamanders become surface active again during cool rainy nights in early autumn, as they apparently make their way back to their winter quarters. Exact details concerning type, location, and distance of hibernation sites as well as other aspects of winter behavior, however, are once again items that remain virtually unknown.

Some southeast Minnesota residents have reported huge winter aggregations in wells and similar structures but all such sightings have yet to be officially verified.

Perhaps most important of all, exactly what effect have changing habitats, pesticides, and other environmental pollutants had on Tiger Salamander populations? Their smooth scale-less skin, like that of virtually all amphibians, readily absorbs oxygen and water as well as any toxic substances these elements may contain. Unlike their distant toad and frog relatives, whose raucous breeding calls makes general estimates of population size comparatively easy, salamanders lead inconspicuous lives largely hidden from view. Perceived as being more difficult to study, aspects of the ecology and conservation status of salamanders has consequently received surprisingly little real attention from anyone other than a handful of the most dedicated researchers. The total absence of the immense number of migrating Tiger Salamanders reported in the anecdotal accounts of many resident "old timers," however, strongly suggest that serious declines have occurred in most existing local populations.

At the same time, evidence from elsewhere in the United States makes it abundantly clear that Page 16

Aplil 2003

healthy salamander populations are vitally important components of regional ecosystems. In fact, studies conducted in the Appalachian Mountains of the eastern U.S., the world's hotspot in terms of salamander diversity, have demonstrated conclusively that the regional population of a single salamander species easily exceeds the body mass of all other living local vertebrate animals combined. This in turn makes it difficult to conceive how any significant change in overall salamander abundance could have anything other than serious ecological ramifications.

Filling the existing gaps in our knowledge of the life history, ecology, and status of these secretive animals is obviously of paramount importance. Doing so will require dedication, patience and much hard work as well as the long-term collection of data relevant to salam ander distribution and overall abundance. Luckily, anyone can participate in this activity, as Tiger Salamanders are inoffensive, harmless creatures despite their ferocious common name. All things considered, however, collecting such data had better begin real soon.

Until next time, "Nuff Said" - JPL

Basic Tiger Salamander Data Family: Ambystomatidae (Mole Salamanders) Ambystoma Scientific Name: tigrinum

Regional Distribution: Virtually all of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa Distribution: Numerous subspecies and/or closely related species throughout North America

Volume 23

Number'}

Average Adult Length: 7-8 inches

(18-21 cm.)

Record Length: 13 inches (33 cm.)

Life Span in Captivity: 20+ years

John and Connie Levell operate NorthStar Herpetological Associates; P.O. Box 389; Lanesboro, MN 55949; 507 467-3076; emys@turtlebookshop. com ยง

Mixed Up Turtle Deep within a forest a little turtle began to climb a tree. After hours of effort he reached the top, jumped into the air waving his front legs and crashed to the ground.

After recovering, he slowly climbed the tree again, jumped, and fell to the ground. The turtle tried again and again while a couple of birds Sitting on a branch watched his sad efforts.

Finally, the female bird turned to her mate. "Dear," she chirped, "I think it's time to tell him he's adopted."

The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

APlil 2003

Number ,t

Volume 23

Minnesota Herpetological Society Treasurer's Report Prepared by Marilyn Brooks Blasus, Treasurer For the Month Ending February 28, 2003 English Spot

Dutch

Jim's Rabbit Shack "VVhere Spots Are Tops"

JIM DALUGE (763) 295-2818

8700 Jaber Ave. NE Monticello. MN 55362

",' {i 12.554.84~6··" _.WWW;HCMPH(jTOGRAP-HY.~bM_

-,

Income: Membership Sales (net) Donations Raffle Misc.

Total Income:

$570.00 $172.30 $297.50 $69.00 $110.00 $874.20

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

Total Expense:

$723.00 $1957.71 $50.00 $0.00 $36.57 $494.48 $2538.76

Net Gain I (Loss):

($1664.56)

•Reptiles-Amphibians -Invertebrates -Small Mammals· Fish· Complete Line of Cages, Food, Books &Supplies lor All Animals ~lN Cit

l~s

1 Hours: Mon•• Fri. 10-8 Sat. 10-6 Sun. 12·5

The LARGEST, BEST Selection in the Twin Cities Since 1979

REPTILES 2363 Universi~ Ave. W. SI. Paul, (1/2 Blk E. of Raymond) Only $5 Per Month ...... $55 Per Year

(651) 647·4479 www.twlncitlesreptiles.com GEl" THE FA01"S NOT THE H'lRE III

- --

-~--------------

Page 17

The Newsleuer of the Minnesota Hcq)etological Society

Aplil 2003

Volume 23

Number 路1

Classified Advertisements Classlfied 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, abo"" or best offer, +:=; limes run (ads are run 3 times unless specifically requested to continue).

For Sale

FOR SALE: 0.0.6 Black Ratsnakes (E.o.obsoleta), $10.00 each. Contact 2003 Turtle Calendars - Two different D.K.Compton, 612.872.7266 or formats (Sea Turtle or Plowshare comptOOl @tc.umn.edu+++ Tortoise covers) $12 each. Can be delivered to the December MHS meet- FOR SALE: One female ablino or ing and/or Holiday Banquet or mailed amelanistic corn snake - it is bright for $2.50 postage and handling. $1.00 orange, pink red and white, so you can of each calendar sold will be donated to choose either of the types you wish to the World Chelonian Trust. John Levell, decribe it. She has laid eggs for the NorthStar Herpetological Associates, last 6 years, is 10 years old and about P.O. Box 389, Lanesboro, MN 55949, 4 feet long. I've never had a prolem with feeding or handling, this is a very 507 467-3076 em y s @ t u rt I e boo k s hop. com. mellow critter. $60.00. Call 507-5369575 or email to jsummerfield8@char+++ Frozen Rabbits - all sizes.

Prices ter.net+++ very reasonable - pinkies to adults.

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

Call Bob Duerr 651-489-5087

Flightless Fruitflies - Excellent food for dart frogs, mantellas, hatchling geckos, baby chameleons, spiderlings, and other small herps. Two species available: Drosophila meianogaster (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@attbLcom +++ FOR SALE: 2.0 Chinese Leopard Geckos (Goniursaurus araneus) $100 ea; 0.0.10 Viper Gecko $40 ea; 1.0 Belize Banded Gecko (Coleonyx eleganus) $100; 1.2 Albino Leopard Gecko - Rainwater strain $300/trio; 1.1 Albino Leopard Gecko - Bell strain $300/pair. Call Jodi L. Aherns 612.588.9329 or email to groundgeckofreak@yahoo.com+++ For Sale: Leopard geckos, leucistic (patternless) x high yellow cross $20.00. Leucistic x albino cross $25.00. Discounts on two or more.

Call Craig 952-368-9689 +++ Page 18

Mice Pinkies Fuzzies Hoppers Adults

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

-Rats

Pinkies Fuzzies SmAdult Med Adult bgAdult Jumbo

$9/dz $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 Holmslrom aI651.224.7212 or jodyalso@yahoo.com

•

•

®~li' W@[]JJ~ IMI~®®!A®~ li'!A~®~li' !A[]JJ[Q)O~~©~ [F)!A®~

li'@ W@[]JJ~ Wl70li'~ !A llLl~

!A@,

$11 ® [Fl~1ru 1llJI@lffiil'll\I $1111® \¥l~1ru W~!AIru"

<

'12th month is free on a one year commitment

•

•

•

MHS Ad Policy: The MHS a~umes 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 subject to occasional omission.

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

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

Advertising Policies

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

Classified Ads: All 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 business card adVertisement monthly as space permits. Due to federal reslriclions on Non-profit mailIng permits, we are not allowed to run ads for travel, credit or insurance agencies.

Submissions:

AU advertisements should be submitted to the MHS Editor, Bell

* Note:

12th month is free on a one year commitment Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Deadline" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ is the night of the General Meeting for inclusion In the next newsletter. Make checks

(!II

•

payable to: Minnesota Herpetological Society.

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

Name

Renewal

Address

Membershipll

City, State, Zip,

Type

Phone

Check 1/

Herp related interests

Active Membershi p s: Sustainin g ($ 601y ear

Email

List in MHS Directory?

Contributin g ($301year Basic ($ 151year)

Ves

No

I I Corresponding Memberships: Basic Commercial ($25/year 2 Bus Cards) Bronze ($50/year 2 1/4 pg ads) I Silver ($75/year 2112 pg Ads) Gold ($100/year 2 Full pg Ads) I Required check info. Drivers Lic II State DOB I Please enclose the proper payment with your application. Make Checks Payable To: Minnesota Herpetological Society. ..1 Membership is for 12 months from the date of approval, a receipt will be sent only upon request. Mail to: Minnesota I Herpetological Society, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church SI. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Please allow 6-8 weeks I for processing.

I L _______________________________________________ ~I

Non-Profit Rate U.S. Postage PAID

Mpls, MN Permit No. 2275 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

POSTMASTER: DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DELIVER BY MARCH 31

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA- ST. PAUL CAMPUS

,to. to Hwy36

~I\

to Snelfiflg-::"....

LARPENTEUR

+= =-

I

::J f] r

'iii" '"<:l

(I, ,?

~~ 1/

jS;\.JQ(t(fj :-:-

--. I

"''''''' ,\ .

BUFORD

~?:

f

,,,......""" "'. '" , ,~,

>! !Jl

HALL

«

~

~ ~.

0 II

SORLA.VG

a

0'...." .......

'"

FOLWE:LL

.

". ""...

~

~,.

,~

o

r~-1 ~

..;

Next Meeting: Friday, April 4, 2003 7:00PM Room 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus

g

}I~"I

j; i-" g l!.'- ,_-:::J ';'; "

MHS Voice Mail: 612.624.7065

t..", /J

MHS Web Page:

IfJw

fc. C

f s!osel I

I CE.'lTEH I

,~

www.bellmuseum.org/herpetology/main.html

A N

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE

H:l!RPEI'OLOGICAL

s

o

c

I THE 2003 PEOPLES 0-l01CE WINN:.R -

T

I

"QA!RE" BY h짜E REIt-DERS

I

This Months Speaker:

!AARON BAUER:

If/ERPETOlOCICAl

EXPlORATION

IN

ARIf)

SOUTHWESTERN AFRICA - FORCOTTEN HISTORY ANf) RECENT DISCOVERIES

MAY 2005

VOLUME 25

NUMBBR 5

y