Vol. 23 (2003), No. 6

Board of Directors President Randy Blasus

Bell Museum ofNahual History, 10 Church Street Southeast, Minneapolis Minnesota 55455-0104 952.925.4237

reblas@msn.com

Vice President

Tony Gamble

763.424.2803 tgamble@attbl.com

The

s

Minnesota o

Herpetological

• 1

c

e

t

y

Recording Secretary Barb Buzicky

612-916-7575 zzzbuzzi@aol.com

Membership Secretary Nancy Hakomaki

MHS We bpage: http,Uwww.bellmuseum.org/herpetology/Main.html 651.341.5707

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

gatorgai@boxfrog.com

Treasurer Marilyn Blasus

btasus@msn.com

Voice Mail, 612.624.7065 952.925.4237 .............._ _......_ _ _ _.................._ ..._ ..............._ _......................

June 2003

Newsletter Editor Bill Moss

651.488.1383

mngatorguy@msn.com Members at Large Heather Clayton

612.788.4664

heelhuh@aol.com

Brian Inghrelson

763.572.0487

ingelizard@yahoo.com PhHlp Woutat

952.924.9128 pmwoutat@yahoo.com Heather Ingbretson 763.572.0487 h_lngbretson@yahoo.com

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

Volume 23

Number 6

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.

Committees Adoption Sarah Richard

612.781.9544 RealSarah@aol.com

Education Jan Larson

General Meetings are held at Borlaug Hall, Room 335 on the Sf. 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.skunkhoHow@juno.com

Northern MInnesota Jeff Korbel

~

Beth Girard

218.586.2588

763.691.1650 bgirard@worldnet.att.net

-or-

Webmaster Anke Reinders theMHSwebmaster@yahoo.com

Herp Assistance Amphibians Greg Kvanbek John Meltzer John Moriarty Chameleons Vem & laurie Grassel Crocodilians Jeff Lang Bilt Moss

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

Submissions may be sent to:

651.388.0305 763.263.7880

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

Bill Moss 75 Geranium Ave East Saint Paul, MN 55117 -or~

mngatorguy@msn.com

651.482.8109 763-428-4625

701.n2.0227 651.488.1383

lizards Nancy Halg Heather Matson

763.434.8684 612.554.8446

L§rg~ Boas ?)!:!hOM 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

Terrestrial Iur:ll!;1s Fred Bosman John levell

763.476.0306 507.467.3076

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

The Newsletter of the "tvIinnesota Herpetological Society

The Vice-presidents report

By Tony Gamble

June General Meeting Friday, June 6th, 2003 Program:

Evolution of Galapagos Lava Lizards Guest Speaker: Dave Kizirian

June 2003

Volume 23

Darwin. Bell wrote, "[It is] one of the most beautiful in the whole order of Saurians... It constitutes one of the numerous interesting novelties obtained by Mr. Darwin in the Galapagos."

The numerous species on the Galapagos Islands fall into one of two groups and it is currently believed that these lizards colonized the islands at least twice in the past. Scientists are currently attempting to reconstruct the history and relationships among the species of Microlophus using

Curly-tailed or lava lizards (genus molecular techniques.

June' Microlophus) are found in westem speaker, Dave Kizirian, is at the South America and the Galapagos forefront of this research and will The South American present the results of his examinaIslands. species Microlophus occipitalis is tion of Microlophus evolution in the .---_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~ Galapagos Islands.

D a v e Kizirian is currently the curator of herpetology at the Los Angeles County Museum.

He performs fieldIMi(:rolc)phljS grayii from Thomas Bell's "Herpetology of the Beagle."

'--_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _---1 work in Nor t h probably the most familiar member America, Vietnam and the of this genus to herpetoculturists. It Galapagos Islands. is sold as the Peruvian curly-tailed lizard and is currently very common in the pet trade. These can be colUpcoming Meetings: orfullizards and they exhibit a wide Friday, July 11th - Maureen range of interesting behaviors.

Kearney, Field Museum of Natural Thomas Bell described one of the History Galapagos species, Microlophus grayii, in 1843 based on specimens collected by a young Charles

Number 6

Lizard Head Found in Salad Tests Negative for Salmonella Coralville, lowa-AP -- There's good news about a lizard head found in an Iowa woman's salad. It's tested negative for salmonella.

The lizard head was found earlier this month in a carry-out salad from a restaurant in eastern Iowa.

The Johnson County Public Health Department says preliminary results showed no presence of the bacteria that causes food poisoning. Final results are expected tomorrow.

A University of Iowa dentistry professor filed a complaint with the health department, saying his wife discovered the lizard head in a Santa Fe Chicken Salad she bought at an Applebee's restaurant.

He says she was "upset" and probably won't be eating Santa Fe salads anytime soon.

Applebee's parent company (Apple Corporation L-P) has issued a statement apologizing for what it calls an isolated incident.

The statement says the restaurant is now using pre-cut, pre-cleaned lettuce for its salads.

fWfiiif's-iiifiiiis-iil7fabouTra-iepiile:

I

Idysfunction?'

I

I

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

Page 3

The Newsletter of the j\Iinncsola HCl]lclological Society

June 2003

Volume 23

Number 6

News, Notes & Announcements 2003 MHS Field Survey Twin Cities Company

by Sarah Richard, Adoption Chair Reminder.....

Attempts Herpetological Solution to Goose One water dragon and nine iguanas Remember that the annual field Control are still looking for homes. The June Adoption Report

water dragon does have mouth issues. It will be available at the next meeting. The following animals may be coming up for adoption in the future. Their status is still unclear at this time. I will have more information at the June meeting.

American Alligator, 6' 7" Albino Burmese python, large Pattemless Burmese python Anaconda Sulcatta tortoise Iguana Burmese python California Kingsnake Asian Water Monitor

survey will be June 21 and 22 at William O'Brian State park, just north of Stillwater. See the May newsletter or contact Randy Blasus 952-925-4237 ยง

Critter of the Month The was only one critter of the month at the May meeting.

Jake Jacobson Leopard Tortoise

Raffle Donors

The following animals found homes Thanks the following people for at the May meeting: generously donating items to Leopard Gecko (2) the monthly raffle.

Boa constrictor, medium Cooter (2) Marilyn Blasus Mud turtle Gator plat waterer Russian Tortoise (2) Albino Burmese python, medium Aaron Bauer Nile Monitor, juvenile Misc. reprints Eastern painted turtle We raised $265.00 for the society.

Illegible name

Reptiles Magazines We are placing Iguanas outside the society, so if you know of someone Dan Monson who is interested in adopting an Mosscloth, Vitamins Iguana please contact Liz Redmond. We do have a number in Rick Stephens need of homes.

no item listed

Thanks to everyone who adopted or is providing foster care.

ยง Page 4

photos by Nancy Haig

Boston Scientific/Scimed has been having problems with an excess goose population at their Maple Grove location. The problem has gotten so bad that people are having trouble navigating the sidewalks around the building without slipping and sliding on .... err - 'goose gifts'.

In an attempt to rid the corporatecampus of these gift-giving geese, a giant plastic crocodile head was placed in the pond with the full expectation of a rapid goose departure from the area.

As is evidenced in the pictures, the geese are less than impressed.ยง

The Newsletter of the tviiullcsota HeI1)ctologicaJ Society

Moron Of The Month?

by Julie Bykowicz, Annapolis (MO) Sun

Annapolis, Md. March 15,2003 The Annapolis man whose pet cottonm0 ut h snake bit his girlfriend last week was charged I ate Thursday with reckI e s s endangerment and importing a venomous snake into the state.

Devin D. Conley, 29, told Maryland Natural Resources Police that the snake was roaming free in his house "to get some exercise" when it sank its fangs into Jacqueline L. Lee's left thumb.

"It was a dumb thing to do," Conley told police, according to charging document. He said he brought the snake from Florida in the fall.

Lee, a 21-year-old Annapolis resident, was rushed to Anne Arundel Medical Center late March 5, where she was given antivenin.

She said her left arm was badly swollen and her thumb was covered in a blood blister. She was

June 2003

release Monday, spokeswoman said.

a

Volume 23

hospital

Conly was arrested late Thursday, said John Surrick, a spokesman for the Department of Natural Resources. He was released on his own recognizance yesterday after a b a i I review he a ring. His b a i I or i g in a II y had been set at $50,000.

Number 6

Snakes Get Some Good Press for a Change; Snakebites, The Result of Human Stupidity

by Lloyd Brown, Miami Herald

Lately there have been several stories about people bitten by venomous snakes. I ask readers to refer to an article I wrote. In it, I said quite clearly. "Attention people: If you are dumb enough to reach down and pick up a wild animal, you may be bitten. At that point it is no longer the animal's fault."

So allow me to elaborate. If you are

Because he had experience with poisonous snakes (and had been bitten several times himself), he was not too concerned about the dangers of a cottonmouth, charging documents state.

Conley told police he had no other snakes at the home, but that he does have a three-foot lizard that roams free. No other details on the lizard were available.

was the original article. It was added because it lust seemed appropriate.

actively pursuing or bothering a snake that you know to be venomous and it bites you - congratulations; you eamed it. You now get to see firsthand the effectiveness of reprinted from the Michigan the Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue Department's venom bank.

Herpet%gist - April, 2003

Lee said last week that she will continue to date Conley.

Some people are not content to just bother snakes native to our area. A recent common-sense-challenged Page 5

JUIlC

2003

Volume 23

Number 6

victim from South Carolina was bit- Scaling New Frights: ral landscape?" said Chris Bergh, ten by an Asian spitting cobra. It conservation program manager for Iguanas Invade Keys was his second bite. And he was The Nature Conservancy's South

by Jennifer Babson only 21 years old. His first bite, by Florida and Florida Keys Program and chairman of the Florida Keys an eastern diamondback rattlesnake, happened when he was Green Iguanas, Iguana iguana, "Invasive Exotics" Task Force. released at some point in the Florida Bergh recently drafted a letter askonly 16.

Keys appear to be thriving in the ing commission biologists to provide subtropical region. "If you aren't more scientific information about the In an interview on local TV, he said doing battle with the deer or the lizard. ''There is plenty of evidence that he learned his skills from insects, you are now doing battle that they are causing problems in watching "The Crocodile Hunter" on TV. That's like studying physics by with the iguanas," said Scott Wade, people's residential and commercial executive director of the Big Pine watching Road Runner cartoons. landscapes, just from the destrucAthletic Association and manager of tion of vegetation," Bergh said. "The Monroe County's Blue Heron Park friends group for the U.S. Fish and This past Sunday a man was bitten by a water moccasin. In two inter- on Big Pine. Hundreds, maybe thou- Wildlife Service here in the Keys views, I heard two different stories. sands of them, sunbathe on rocks, planted a butterfly garden at the One said that he and his girlfriend climb trees and lay clutches of eggs Blue Hole park on Big Pine. were hunting for snakes. Surprise! throughout this island chain. "No "Immediately afterward, the green They found one. The other story one really noticed them and then all iguanas moved in and ate pretty (and probably the more likely) was of a sudden they are everywhere," much everything," Bergh said. he and his friends were drinking on said Becky Arnold, animal shelter Dennis Truse, a member of Iguana the side of a canal and saw the director for the Florida Keys SPCA. Rescue of Central Florida, said the "They don't have any natural preda- lizards are unfairly left to fend for snake and decided to catch it. tors other than cars and the occa- themselves after their owners abandog." Lately, ifs not unusual don them. "People are not taking sional The worst thing about these InCIa five-foot-Iong lizard to stop traf- responsibility," Truse said. ''They get for dents is not that two people were fic on the two-lane portion of U.S. 1 too big and they don't want them bitten. No, they got what they deserved. Their real problem is that that runs through the Keys, forcing anymore and let them go and the both of these incidents add to the motorists to brake for a few minutes. next thing you know your neighbors The tree-dwelling green iguana is are complaining about an iguana on undeserved bad reputation that snakes have. Many people who native to the tropical forests of the porch." would otherwise never encounter a Mexico and Central and South ยง America. The Florida Fish and snake are convinced that all snakes Wildlife Conservation Commission Reprinted from Herp Digest, Vol.3, are bad and must be killed. is looking into possible harm caused NO.2B. March 16, 2003 and Cold by the lizards. ''The question is, are Blooded News (CO Herp Soc) V30#4 Most snakes are not dangerous and they causing a problem in the natuare actually beneficial to us. They control many of the animals we consider pests. Some common nonvenomous snakes actually will keep venomous snakes away. They will, if left alone, avoid contact with people. If cornered or caught, they may assume an aggressive posture to try and scare you. Of course they will bite; they should.

ยง Page 6

Thc Newsletter of the l'vlinnesota He1l)ctological Society

May General Review

Meeting

By Heather Clayton

Aaron Bauer spoke at the May meeting about the history of herpetological exploration within Southern and Southwestern Africa. He divided the talk into two main sections, the first being the "forgotten history" and the second being the "recent discoveries."

He said that this particular area of Africa was of high interest because there are several species and subspecies found only in South Africa.

It all started when Dutch explorers came to Capetown on the southern tip of Africa in the early 1650s (if I remember correctly). They started there at Capetown and progressed north, drawing sketches of the wildlife and plant life in the area. The early artistic work that was done was not very detailed or exact, because they were focusing on plant life at the time, and also the target group these sketches were aimed at were government agencies and commercial interests. The focus at the time was not very scientific. The first herpetological exploration was in 1685-6, by Gov. Simon van der Stel.

He went into Southern Africa and moved north, like those preceding him, but he was there in search of copper. The

June 2003

Volume 23

man that went with van der Stel was Hendrik Claudius, and he was responsible for the illustrations along the way. They went as far as Springbok, and this journey produced the first zoological records from the arid interior of South Africa.

Claudius's drawings were not perfect, but he was great at keeping records of where and when he drew the species he did, so we were later able to identify most species based on description and location.

In the 1700s a man named Robert Jacob Gordon, who also happened to be Dutch, went to the same areas as Claudius, and did some great illustrations, but his work was never published.

Following Gordon came Andrew Smith, who explored South Africa during the 1820-30s. He was the first to accurately depict these animals, give them Latin names, and also founded the South African Museum. He described approximately 30% of the known species at the time. And of course as time wore on others came to the area and completed more herpetological work.

As for what is happening now, Aaron Bauer still studies in Africa, mainly in Namibia, which not even claimed as a territory until fairly recently.

In his explorations, he has discovered several new species and sub-

Number 6

species of geckos, a few snakes, and excitingly, sclelotes.

These are "kind of" lizards, but not really. They are either limbless or have reduced limbs, and they are in the middie of being described, classified, and named accordingly.

Bauer is exploring the Richtersveld (a national park) for his research, as it is uninhabited by humans. There have been over 100 species of herps found since the 1900s, including 23 species of gecko alone, all within the Richtersveld. Some examples of some new species include a toad - bufo robinsoni, one gecko is the phelsuma ocellata, and a new snake is the bitis xeropaga, which is a newly found viper.

Bauer says it is not unusual to find at least one new herp species every trip to the park, and he has even gone so far as to go back over historical herp records to help rename and reclassify several species so they are recorded in the correct groups. His main intention is to find the evolutionary relationships of these animals, to try to learn about the general history of the area. Of course this means he gets to see some gorgeous landscapes and play with some really cool herpsl

Page 7

The Newsletter of the '.Minnesota Herpetological Society

June 2003

Volume 28

First Place Herps in a Natural Setting and People's Choice, "Claire" by Anke Reinders.

As People's Choice winner, this photo will appear on the 2004 "White Pages"

Second place Herps in a Natural Setting by Van Gooch

Page 8

Third place Herps in a Natural Setting by Van Gooch

Number 6

2003 MHS Field Survey

William O'Brien State Park June 21 st and June 22 nd Why we do this

To provide a venue for MHS members who want to experience field work, including both experienced and novice herpers. This is the chance to join in a weekend (or day) that is both educational and fun. The MN DNR receives valuable information and free labor, rare commodities. Lastly, MHS gains involvement from its members.

NOTE: You will not need to pay for parking or camping

• •• •• • •• • • ••• •• • ••• • •• ••• • •• • ••• • ••• •• •• •• • • •• • •• • •

When you arrive at the park office, let them know you are with MHS and they wi II give you an entrance pass for the day or weekend. If you have an annual State Park pass, you don't need to do anything, just head for the Pioneer Group Camp.

William 0' Brien provides a beautiful setting for quality recreation along the banks of the St. Croix River. Hiking and biking trails offer qUiet exploration of the park's rolling, wooded hills with 1520 total acres. For anglers, the channels of the St. Croix have northern, walleye, bass and trout. Ideal for canoeing, the river is also a migratory pathway that offers visitors an exciting diversity of sights and sounds. Swimming Beach and Concessionaire with canoe rental are offered. The park has an Interpretive Center. Park is open 8 am to 10 pm.

Landscape: The variety of vegetation types, the St. Croix River floodplain, oak-hickory forests, scattered white pine areas, marshes, oak savanna, upland prairie and rolling meadows, provides habitat for diverse wildlife populations.

Location: The Park is located 12 miles north of Stillwater in Washington County on Highway 95, near the town of Marine-on-St Croix. Address: 16821 O'Brien Trail North, Marine-on-St Croix, MN 554047. Phone: 651-433-0500.

Pioneer Group Camp: Reserved Friday night through Sunday (look for MHS signs). Group camp is rustic with running water but no showers or flush toilets. The park has semi-modern facilities and showers are in regular campgrounds, however.

Necessities: Groceries - within 10 miles south in Marine-on-St Croix or Groceries and restaurants within 15 miles South in Stillwater. Interpretive Center includes pop machines and drinking water.

Directions: From the Metro or further south, Starting at Hwy 36, head east toward Stillwater. Turn north (left) on County 15, Manning Ave before entering Stillwater. In about 3 miles, turn east (right) on Hwy 96.

As you near Hwy 95 watch for signs and take the north (left). Avoid travel through Stillwater due to slow traffic. From the north, take Hwy 97 near Forest lake over to Hwy 95 the turn south (right). Look for on 95 for the

Wh?t we might find (Iistof h~rps in area) BI4e-spotte~salamander,Tiger salamander, Mu.dpuppy, American toad, . Gray treefl'og, Spril\gp~eper ' . Chorpsfcog, Greenfrog"LeoPflfdfr.og,Woodfrog, 5 ooth& Spil'lY ~oftsheHturtle, .Snapping turtle,Point~dtur!l~jBI~rydi~g's rn turtle; Wood tUftle, COllltnonand F~lseMapturtle,PrQirieskink,Raceri Foxsnake'Easter.nH~9n?~~i~ilksl1q~~, .

\oVaters.~ake,smooth$reen·sn.(lke, Bullsnake,Brown·s~ake:.Red-bellieqsnQke,Plllin~·.~;comllloI'I$Qrtersn(lk~i

" plussevef(ll other spedestnay exist here or are old records arid need to bedocumel'ltedin WQshingtoncounty.

2003 MHS Field Survey William O'Brien State Park - June 21 st & 22 nd Survey Procedures Survey methods used are: auditory/visual search and search and seizure. Anuran calling activity is also noted. Visual searching is self explanatory and includes animals that cannot be captured, i.e. basking turtles observed by binoculars, animals that elude capture, but are positively identified, and animals nesting. Search and seizure methods may be used for all amphibians and reptiles except nesting turtles or protected species. A comprehensive report of species, numbers, and location found will be provided to the State Park and MN DNR following the survey.

The list of rules for participating MHS members will be enforced by the Survey Coordinator, Assistant Coordinators, or attending MHS Board Members. Violations of the rules may lead to a member's expulsion from the survey. This is a MHS sanctioned event in cooperation with the MN DNR. The event is only open during the above are inferred to or MHS member outside this hP."inrl time and no further

• • • • •

Must be active member of MHS to participate Don't pick up or disturb any nesting turtle or protected species - this is during nesting season All amphibians and reptiles found are to remain within the sites boundaries Animals must be released at point of capture after documentation All material disturbed during search shall be replaced

Animals captured may be brought to group meetings for photo sessions (except nesting turtles and protected species) and any extraordinary find may be held and further documented (i.e. new county record etc.).

What to Bring fIQt~ib9c.~·.hQf,l6I1gp<lMs,<ldd.itiQnQICroth~stochQtJ~e·i~tow~~r.th¢.sgr$¢}'i$()\tIl[,i2s¢?tprQ~ffIWhi.r~;i'•.• ' . •.·.·.·<I!grtjQ~klltforQfterdarkj~s~ickingQrOU~d i t Q•in9eqr?> · •·•.·....<Ti ." .....> ......

Fo~;t\'l'la.r ... hi~.iI19bBotslllxt~!l~hqe~t~changllinto; e.xtrasoc~s·. . ·........ \............/ ••••.. . •.•.•. ( •.....• ;•..•.••. } .

·i'}· ..'

t;~Qtt 7f"I?shli9htrsl,lnscr.lllln,.blltre:tClrdant,.binOc.ulars; ·camllr,!lgnclfiltn··• · ·• ·•..·•. i ....• ". { .•..i•••.• • ••••.•.•.••••• \.·.·.•..... ..••...••.••• Foo~~ndD~In~.~·IVQt~ran\i})thllrfJuid~,<'un,ch,·.foodtQgriu . if~tickingQround·forth~evening!

CClmpiljg~dQn'tJorg~tyourregl!lar.stuffifyoll are staying oVernight·· . .

What MHS Will Provide Pe.rlhits, .identification ibooks ,som'l containers, .walkie~talkies ,ice,fir¢wQod ,~omll wdte~,. pop,andsnacks

Thank You! William dBrien State Park is providing the group camp site, entrance passes, and hospitality at no charge to MHS. We wish to thank them for their kindness.

The Newsletter of the rvlinncsola Herpetological Society

June 2003

Volume 23

Number 6

Second place Herps with People by Merle Larson

First place Herps with People by Bill Moss

In addition to these photos, Bill Sandberg and Katie Marier won first and second place respectively in the open art catagory.

Thanks to all who participated.

Third place Herps with People by Bill Moss

First Place Misc. Herps by Van Gooch Page 9

JUlle

Preliminary Analysis of b of Common Num er d F Snappers Exporte rom United States and Where

way to tell exactly where t~ese turtles came from (But I beheve you can tell what general area of the country by whom the exporter was, and what port they

where. shipped ~ut of) fu.rther analysIs can possibly show If the percentage shipped were mostly I've just started analyzing data I bom in captivity and of juvenile received from the USF&WS, via size or wild caught adults preferred by Asian customers. (From my own experience, and others, in the end 2002, of importers from Hong Kong were contacting anyone

in Past Five Years.

By Allen Salzberg

2003

Volume 23

Numter6

The Nati~n's Top-Sel~ing Weed Killer, Atrazme, Disrupts the Sexual Develo ment of Frogs p Press Release: University of CaliforniaBerkeley

In an article in the April 16 issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, developmental endocrinologist Tyrone ~. Hay~s, associate professor of integrative

they found Northern Leopard Frog (Rana Pipiens) associated with turtles on the net the Freedom of Information Act, to see if they can acquire and biology, and his colleagues rep~rt on .the number of turtles, species, country exported to, or imported into the US from 1998 to 2002. .

Though I've just begun, I beheve I've already discovered some interesting facts. During the past three years the number of common snapping turtles exported from the US has doubled each year - over 15,000 in 2000, over 30 000 in 2001 and over 60,000 , . h If tt in 2002. And In 2002 a wen 0 Hong Kong. Add to that number the unknown a~ount se.nt to the numerous American ASian markets and a lot of snappers seem to have been extracted from the environment. Though there is no Page 10

send them common snappers, they asked for adults, for some reason especially ~Iorida snapping turtles, and said they would be placing large orders of hatchlings afterwards. The numbers for 2002 show they were somewhat successful.)

:~:t ~~~~~~~~~~t~e~:~c~I~~~~~

t d I

and turns them into her~a~~r~~ites _ creatures with both male and female sexual characteristics. The herbicide also lowers levels of the male hormone testosterone in sexually mature male frogs by a factor of 10, to levels lower than those in normal female frogs. .

As ~ayes later. dltS cdoveredd, .mathn y atrazlne-contamlna e pon s In e Midwest contain native leopard

If these numbers are sustainable others must decide. At this moment I lack the time to . . d research their natural ~IStOry an current wild populations. All I f s with the same abnormalities. have the time for is to conti~ue "~t~azine exposed frogs don't have analyzing these numbers as time normal reproductive systems," he permits. said. "The males have ovaries in HerpDigest V3 #36 their testes and much smaller vocal

The Newsletter of the l\1inllesota Herpetological Society

organs," which are essential in calling potential mates. It is unclear whether these abnormalities lead to reduced fertility. Hayes now is trying to determine how the abnormalities affect the frogs' ability to produce offspring. "The use of atrazine in the environment is basically an uncontrolled experiment.

There seems to be no atrazine-free environment," Hayes said.

"Because it is so widespread, aquatic environments are at risk."

Because the herbicide has been in use for 40 years in some 80 countries, its effect on sexual development in male frogs could be one of many factors in the global decline of amphibians, he added.

The findings come at a time when the EPA is re-evaluating allowable levels of atrazine in drinking water, which stand I today at 3 parts per billion (ppb), and has drafted new criteria for the protection of aquatic life, limiting four-day average exposures to 12 ppb.

Hayes found hermaphroditism in frogs at levels as low as 0.1 ppb.

Even with today's limits, levels of 40 ppb atrazine have been measured in rain and spring water in parts of the Midwest, while atrazine in agricultural runoff can be present at several parts per million. The herbicide also contaminates drinking water supplies in many communities

June 2003

Volume 23

Number 6

in the Midwest, leading some environmental groups to voice concern To date, atrazine's effects on mamabout its effect on children, infants mals and amphibians have been and the unborn. tested only at large doses, not at doses commonly found in the enviFrance, Germany, Italy, Sweden ronment. In their journal article, Hayes and his colleagues write, "The effective doses in the current study demonstrate the sensitivity of amphibians relative to other taxa, validate the use of amphibians as sensitive environmental monitors/sentinels, and raise real concern for amphibians in the wild."

and Norway are among the countries that have banned the use of atrazine. "This is very important and elegant work," said Theo Colbom, PhD, a senior scientist at the World Wildlife Fund and an internationally recognized expert on endocrine-disrupting chemicals. "Tyrone's work demonstrates the need to do research on the safety of chemicals in the field where the animals live and at the levels to which they are exposed. The changes he found in the gonads were not discovered with the traditional high-dose atrazine experiments used in the past. In addition, microscopic examination of the internal organs of frogs is required to detect the hidden effects from low-dose exposure.

Hayes doubts that atrazine has such severe effects on humans, because the herbicide does not accumulate in tissue and humans don't spend their lives in water like frogs do. Nevertheless, the effects of atrazine on frogs could be a sign that the herbicide is subtly affecting human sex hormones, too, interlering with androgens, such as testosterone, that control male sex characteristics. Some studies in cell culture point to a possible biochemical explanation for the observed effects on amphibian sex organs. John P. Giesy, a Professor of Zoology at Michigan State University in East Lansing, and his colleagues found last year that, at large doses,atrazine ups production of the enzyme aromatase, which converts androgen hormones to estroPage 11

June 2003

gen hormones.

Extrapolating these results from mammalian cells to amphibians, Hayes argues that atrazine could feminize male frogs by promoting the conversion of male hormones to female hormones. The lowered androgens would interfere with voice box development, while increased estrogens would promote ovaries with-in the testes. More than 60 million pounds of the herbicide were applied last year in the United States alone.

Manufacturer Syngenta estimates that farmers use the herbicide to control weeds on about two-thirds of all U.S. com sorghum acreage. On average, it improves com yield by slightly more than four percent. The compound is generally considered safe, however, because it quickly decomposes in the environment and, being water soluble, is quickly excreted from the body.

Aquatic life, however, swims and breeds in atrazine-contaminated field runoff. Though previous studies showed deformities and abnormalities in adult amphibians only at very high doses, no one had looked in detail at hormone levels in frogs or at effects on tadpoles, the larval stage of frogs. Prodded by the EPA, Syngenta approached Hayes, an expert on amphibian hormones, to out if atrazine disrupts sex hormones in amphibians. He has developed several very sensitive assays to detect chemicals that affect hormones, including a test for estrogen-like chemicals that might induce human breast cancer.

Though Hayes initially received funds from Syngenta for the studies, Page 12

all the current published studies were conducted independent of Syngenta. For his laboratory tests, he used the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, a popular research subject that, like many frogs, is very sensitive to hormones that mimic the effect of their own sex hormones. If raised in a pond with estrogen, for example, all Xenopus tadpoles turn into females.

In the presence of androgens, frogs grow larger voice boxes, or larynges. In laboratory experiments at various concentrations of atrazine, using two separate populations of frogs raised in three separate tanks - in experiments replicated 51 times - they found atrazine to affect the sexual development of frogs at concentrations of 0.1 ppb and higher.

That is 30 times lower man the allowable limit of 3 ppb in drinking water and 120 times lower than the proposed chronic exposure limit for aquatic life, 12 ppb. At these concentrations, as many as 16 percent of the animals had more than the normal numbers of gonads (including one animal with six testes) or had both male and female organs (testes and ovaries). No control animal had such abnormalities.

Also, while normal males at metamorphosis have larger vocal organs than females, the organs of more than 80 percent of males exposed to 1 ppb or more of atrazine were smaller than average. Sexually mature males showed a 10-fold decrease in testosterone levels, bringing them below levels found in normal females. This suggests that atrazine acts by disrupting the synthesis of sex hormones, which could

Volume 23

Number 6

also explain the smaller larynges and abnormal gonads. "... the current data raise new concerns for amphibians with regard to atrazine," the researchers wrote in their paper.

"If such effects occur in the wild, exposed animals would suffer impaired reproductive function."

In fact, Hayes and his colleagues subsequently conducted a reconnaissance of atrazine-contaminated ponds in the Midwest to see if such reproductive abnormalities occur in frogs in the wild. They turned up many native leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) with similar problems, and are now testing captured animals to determine whether these changes are due to atrazine. "Atrazine is obviously affecting frogs," Hayes said. "We have shown serious effects on their sexual development.

We need to ask the questions, 'What are the environmental costs of using atrazine? What diversity have we lost?'" ยง

TIle Newsletter of thc l\ilinnesota Hel]Jctological Society

June 2003

Vo1umc 23

Minnesota Herpetological Society Treasurer's Report Prepared by Marilyn Brooks Blasus, Treasurer Engtish Spot

Dutch

Jim's Rabbit Shack 'l'Vhent Spots Are Tops" JIM DALUGE (763) 295·2816

8700 Jaber Ave. NE Monticello. MN 55362

For the Month Ending April 30, 2003 Income: Membership Sales (net) Donations Raffle Misc.

Total Income:

$ 60.00 $ 0.00 $ 7.00 $ 23.50 $ 0.00 $ 90.50

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

Total Expense:

$373.00 $ 3.83 $50.00 $1204.75 $13.36 $451.01 $2095.95

Net Gain I (Loss):

($2005.45)

-Reptiles -Amphibians-Invertebrates' Small Mammals' Fish· Complele Line of Cages, Food, Books &Supplies for ALL Animals ~lNCl~

Hours: Mon•• Fri. 1o.a Sat. 10.6 Sun. 12·5

It.r The LARGEST,

1.

.BEST Selection in the Twin Cities Since 1979

REPTILES

~

2363 University Ave. W. 5t. Paull (1/2 Blk E. of Raymond)

muM

(651) 647·4479

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

www.twincltiesreptlles.com

OBI" THE BAeTS ... NOT mE H'lRE ~

.

---------------

Page 13

The Newsletter of the Minnesota HCIl)ctological Society

June 2003

Volume 23

Number 6

Classified Advertisements Classified ads are free to the membership.

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

1.0.0 == male, 0.1.0 == female, 0.0.1 = unsexed, cb == captive bred, obo == or best offer, + == times run (ads are run 3 times unless specifically requested to continue).

For Sale For Sale: Two female orange-glow bearded dragon I got from Weis Reptiles at the Daytona Show. Saved $300 because the tips of their tails are missing. $450/0BO for both or trade for Corn snakes. Marty at mncornsnakman@aol.com ++

For Sale: Aquariums w/screen tops: (2) 20 gal tall, $10 ea.; (2) 27 gal hex, $30 ea.; 25 gal tall, $15; 1.0.0 Gian Day Gecko $10 OBO; 0.0.2 Gold Bell Frogs (Utoria au rea) $10 OBO; 1.0.0 White-lipped treefrog (Utoria infrafenata) $10 OBO; 1.0.0 Fire belly toad $5 OBO. Call Sara at (952) 949-6690 or Iitoria76@visi.com ++

For Sale: Dart frogs. 3 yellow galacts, 3 oyopok tincts, 1 leucomelas. Mark Hauge, 320-202-971 or whitneywee@charter.net ++

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

Call Bob Duerr 651-489-5087

vNGRY --

Frozen Rabbits - all sizes.

Prices very reasonable - pinkies to adults.

Jim Daluge 763.295.2818

Flightless Fruitflies - Excellent food for dart frogs, mantellas, hatchling geckos, baby chameleons, spiderlings, and other small herps. Two 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 Also, several hundred young.

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 +++

STOCK UP ON RODENTS FROM MHS

Fuzzies HORRers Adults

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

Fuzzies SmAdult Med Adult bgAdult Jumbo

$16/dz $18/dz $24/dz $30/dz $36/dz

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

Place orders with Jody Holmstrom at 651.224.7212 or jodyalso@yahoo.com Page 14

•

•

W@I!D!ru 1J'6!\!ru@l~1J' 6!\1!D@O~IM©~ WOIJ'IMJ 6!\ l]g~ [F)6!\@~ 6!\@,

@~IJ'

W@I!D!ru

[M]~®®6!\@l~ IJ'@

®ll ® ~~Iru 1iIJJ@1fifjj'1l{] ®llll® ~~Iru W~~Iru"

'12th month is free on a one year commitment

v· )

MHSAD RATES Business card 1/4 Page 1/2 Page Full Page *N t

12th

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

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

th· 1

.

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 servlce 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.

Classified Ads: All active members are allowed a classified ad, run free 01 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 restrictions on Non-profit maHing permits, we are not allowed to run ads for travel, credit or Insurance agencies.

t

~~~o~e:~~~m~o~n~~,~s~re~e~o~n~a~o~n~e~y~e~a~r~c~o~m~m~It~m~e~n!l§~~) ~

Advertising Policies

•

Submissions: All advertisements should be submitted to the MHS Editor, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church $1. SE , Minneapolis, MN 55455. Deadline Is the night of the General Meeting for inclusIon In the next newsletter. Make checks payable to: Minnesota Herpetological Society.

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

New

Name

Renewal

Address

Membership#

City, State, Zip,

Type

Phone

Check #

Herp related interests

Email

..

Active MembershIps. Sustammg ($60/yea r)

List in MHS Directory?

ContributIng ($ 30/year) Bas·IC ($ 151year)

Yes

:

No

I

Bronze ($50/year 2 1/4 pg ads) I Gold ($1 ~O/year 2 Full pg Ads) : Required check info. Drivers Lic # State DOB I Please enclose the proper payment with your application. Make Checks Payable To: Minnesota Herpetological Society.

I 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 01 Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Please allow 6·8 weeks I Corresponding Memberships:

Basic Commercial ($25/year 2 Bus Cards) Silver ($75/year 2 1/2 pg Ads)

~~~ I L _______________________________________________ I ~

HEll •

: .~y.~~. ,:

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

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

.. .f;J (-(iff. BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 1E

.

,

""

"""

''''''emu

,'" 10 CHURCH STREET SE MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

POSTMASTER: DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DELIVER BY JUNE 2

Next Meeting: Friday, June 6, 2003 7:00PM Room 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus 0

y ..ru ......

~~ ,~­

~N.rgp....

:~"'9'" <>If.a..... n'''

.....

'Wn.-... ..

ll':<J.o..<;

"'.

MHS Voice Mail: 612.624.7065

MHS Web Page:

.....

N BUFORD

www.bellmuseum.org/herpetology/main.html