Vol. 23 (2003), No. 8

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE

s

AUGUST 2003

o

c

VOLUME 23

I

y

T

NUMBER

8

Board of Directors

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

President

Randy Slasus

952.925.4237

reblas@msn.com Vice President

Tony Gamble

763.424.2803 tgamble@attbLcom

The

s

Minnesota o

c

Herpetological • 1

e

t

y

Recording Secretary

Barb Buzicky zzzbuzzi@aot.com

MHS We bpage: http.lIwww.bellmuseum.org/herpetology/Main.html

Membership Secretary

Nancy Hakomaki gatorgal@boxfrog.com

651.341.5707

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

Voice Mail: 612.624.7065

Treasurer

Marilyn Blasus

btasus@msn.com

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

August 2003

Newsletter Editor

8m Moss

651.488.1383

mngatorguy@msn.com Members at Large

Heather Clayton

612.788.4664

heethuh@aol.com Brian Ingbrelson ingelizard@yahoo.com

763.572.0487

Philip Woulat

952.924.9128

pmwoulal@yahoo.com Heather Ingbrelson

763.572.0487

h~lngbretson@yahoo.com

Immediate Past president Jodi l. Aherns 612.588.9329 groundgeckofreak@yahoo.com

Committees Adoption Sarah Richard

612.781.9544

RealSarah@aol.com EducatIon Jan Larson

Volume 23

Number 8

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 informa· tion, 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@worldnet.att.net Webmaster Anke Reinders theMHSwebmaster@yahoo.com

Herp Assistance Amphibians Greg Kvanbek John Meltzer John Moriarty

651.462.8109

Chameleons Vern & Laurie Grassel

763-428-4625

Crocoditlans Jeff lang Bill Moss

701.772.0227 651.488.1383

Lizards Nancy Haig Heather Matson

763.434.8684 612.554.8446

large Boas Ey:!bQns TIna Cisewski

612.856.2865

Other Snakes Jeff leclere John Meltzer

651.488.6388 763.263.7880

Aquatic Turtles Gary Ash John leven

763.753.0218 507.467.3076

Terr,estrial Turtles Fred Bosman John Levell

763.476.0306 507.467.3076

651.388.0305 763.263.7880

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: -orThe Minnesota Herpetological Society Bill Moss Attn: Newsletter Editor 75 Geranium Ave East Bell museum of Natural History Saint Paul, MN 55117 10 Church St. SE. -orMinneapolis, MN 55455.0104 mngatorguy@msn.com

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

The Ncv...sletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

The Vice-presidents report

By Tony Gamble

August General Meeting Friday, August 1st, 2003, 7:00 PM Program:

A Brief History of Amphibian Malformations Guest Speaker: William Souder In the summer of 1995, a group of schoolchildren on a field trip in south-central Minnesota made a discovery that launched major scientific inquiry. As they explored the edges of a farm pond, the students stumbled upon large numbers of frogs that exhibited a variety of

e g deformitie s .

Fro m almost t h was reported, the suspected causes of the deformities were the subject of intense, sometimes contentious speculation and the focus of a far-reaching investigation that continues today. Frog deformities have since been reported in more than three-dozen states Cover: Heather Ingbretson and Beau Larson check a trap for frogs during the MHS Field Survey.

Photo by Jim Gerholdt

August 2003

VoIllinc 23

and a number of foreign countries, notably in Quebec, Canada, where similar malformations were already being studied at the time of the Minnesota outbreak.

What has emerged from this ongoing research is a complex picture of amphibian ecology in which natural factors coupled with human modification of the environment appear to be at work. Because frogs are considered sensitive indicators of environmental health, this work may ultimately shed light on some of the ways human activity impacts global ecosystems.

Minnesota journalist William Souder began covering this story for the Washington Post in the fall of 1996 and he continues to write about amphibian research for the Post.

His book on the malformations investigation, "A of Plague Frogs," was first published in the spring of 2000. An updated paperback version was published last fall.

NumberS

Snake Venom: New Weapon Against Breast Cancer? submitted by Sean Hewitt Contortrostatin, a protein purified from snake venom, may help stop metastasis of breast tumors, Dr. Francis Markland reported at the American Chemical Society national meeting (August 26).

Markland and his research group at the University of Southern California School of Medicine found that contortrostatin reduced breast tumor metastasis by 60-70%, and 'Iung tumor metastasis by 90%, in mice implanted with human breast cancer cells.

Contortrostatin slows metastasis by interrupting the adhesion and invasion of tumor cells into surrounding healthy cells.

Markland reports that the protein does not kill tumor cells, but puts them in a "suspended state of animation." Because the compound is not cytotoxic, it does not cause the same side-effects as cell-killing Don't miss an engaging drugs that also affect normal and informative update on cells. Markland expects clinical Minnesota's infamous frogs. trials to begin in the "not too far distant future."

Upcoming Meetings: Friday, September 5th, 2003 - TBA http://www./abanima/.com!Co/lnews09

ยง

98.htm#Snake%20Venom:%20New%2 OWeapon%20Against%20Breast

Page 3

1he Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

August 2003

VohmlC 23

Number 8

News, Notes & Announcements More Bull than Bullsnake and More Milk than Milksnake

not be fed for two weeks prior to the fair, so they will be 'cleaned out' and thus less likely to make a mess in the display - visitors don't need to see poop. Marilyn will accept the animals a day or two before the fair; arrangements will need to be made with her. Accordingly, the animals will need to be picked up the day after the fair.

you are attending a concert / show in the grandstand for the evening, you shouldn't sign up for that day as you may need to be available at 9 PM. Before 9 PM, check on the animals; if everyone has water and is clean, you are donel If cleaning or maintenance needs to be done, you will need to wait until they close the building at 9 to complete any tasks. As it is very disruptive to the flow of people, we are asked not to mess with the animals when the building is open, unless there is a problem.

All cleaning supplies, equipment, etc. will be behind the display. Any tasks should take no more than a few minutes and you will be on your way. Two of the snake cages will be filled with MN's venomous reptiles - these will be locked and are not to be touched. If any problems happen with them, there will be two 'hot' emergency con-

We are looking for a herper (or two) to volunteer per day - you will receive a pair of free passes for the fair. Parking is not provided. Total time commitment is minimal, but volunteering involves being at the fair for a good portion of the day.

Volunteers don't need to be there at opening, but it would be ideal if they were there before noon. The latest preferred arrival time would be early afternoon, as the animals should be checked at midday to insure they are weathering the temperature OK. Duties during the day consist of viewing the animals for problems, maybe every 3 hours. If any problems do arise during the day, you will need to try to solve it or get a hold of the emergency contacts. If

tacts to call.

We are looking for volunteers and animals to help in the DNR's reptile display at the MN State Fair from August 21 to September 1.

Volunteers are needed to check animals each day of the fair.

Work is minimal, and the reward is a pair of FREE tickets into the fair. If you don't think you can make it, maybe your animal could. We need the following animals to fill the display inside the DNR building.

Snakes: Bull, Hognose, Fox, Milk, Water and Garter Turtles: Snapping, Painted, Wood, and Blanding's of a small/medium size. May consider other snakes and turtles if we can't find what we need. The MHS display at the Minnesota State Fair The reptiles need to just sit and look 'pretty' as people view them. All animals need to be in good, healthy condition. The prolonged display period in an uncontrolled environment may be detrimental to animals not in prime condition. Sick animals will not be accepted for this activity.

The snakes should be full-grown (except the bull - for that we want a young adult) - this way the onlookers can see them easily in the display. As stated above, the turtles can be small (but not baby size) to medium. We will have two aquariums for separating the different sizes. Snakes will be housed separately and each will have a large, clear water bowl. Animals should Page 4

A meeting will be scheduled a day or two before the fair starts to meet with everyone who will be new to volunteering for the fair. This meeting will go over all details (where the sink is, etc.) and hand out free passes. Days are selected on a first call, first get basis, and the weekends go fast.

If you are interested or have any questions, get on the 'stick' (ha ha) and contact Marilyn at 952-9254237 or blasus@msn.com.

The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

August 2003

Volume 23

Number 8

. em

Cambodians flock to see allow her son to sleep cheek-by-jowl Illegal reptile traders hit with the giant constrictor even with stings python boy though it could easily have him for dinner. submitted by Heather Clayton SIT TBOW, Cambodia (Reuters) Cambodians are flocking to see a Traditional beliefs are still strong in YPSILANTI, Mich., June 29 (UPI) __ three-year-old boy they believe was Cambodia and it was not long State and federal wildlife officials the son of a dragon in a former life before the boy's friendship with the raided homes in three states as part because his best friend is a four- female snake - called Chamreun of a two-year investigation into illemetre-long python. or 'Lucky' - prompted a fortune gal reptile and amphibian trading.

Curled up for an afternoon snooze inside the coils of his scaly companion, the child, Oeun Sambath, attracts regular visits in the impoverished southeast Asian nation from villagers anxious to make use of what they believe are his supernatural powers.

teller to declare he must have been

Officials posed as customers, trapthe son of a dragon in a previous pers and dealers to break the ring life. that operated in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, the Ann Arbor News reportHis special powers will probably ed Sunday. make him a traditional healer at the age of seven, but meanwhile the In several Michigan raids, authoribond between boy and snake is lim- ties confiscated more than $55,000 iting the movements of the family. worth of protected animals, including box turtles, Blanding turtles, "I don't know what is special about wood turtles, spotted turtles and the the relationship between my son Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake. and the snake - whether they were . . ..

All the species are native to related In their prevIous lives - bU,~ Michigan and protected under state they certainly can't be separated, and federal laws.

Kim Kannara said. " I once took my son off to the provinces, but we COUldn't stay because my son was missing Chamreun so much."

Authorities expect as many as 50 arrests in the three states and possibly more as the investigation continues to evolve. The ring is belived to be one of the largest operating.

In one Michigan raid alone, officials said they found 150 turtles and 20 snakes. A single box turtle can net up to $250 in the illegal market, offiEdI'lors note: 0 oes I'1 seem Iha I .I 'd lalely more and more people are in cia s sal . .. -. a hurry 10 leave Ihe gene pool? .~.

a 13 fool long Burmese python

"He has been playing with the python ever since he could first crawl," said his mother Kim Kannara, who is perfectly happy to PageS

rnle Newsletter of the l'vlinnesota Herpetological Society

.

A

ttendees at this years' field survey found good weather •J ., and ample camaraderie.

While in 2002 temperatures registered on the far side of the comfort spectrum; 2003 exemplified moderation. With a number of people camping, there was always something of interest going on. .

An unexpected benefit was a relatively low insect population. /.

The state park is large and scenic, featuring many habitat types. The dominant habitat consisted of open fields.

A large marsh and creek complex added to the open feeling of the park. Other habitats included upland hardwood forest, oak savanna and pine plantations which weaved around on the higher ground and paralleled private land boundaries. Floodplain forest formed the last major category found here.

From the highest hills, the St Croix River valley could be seen. Here a boat launch into the St. Croix is available from within the state park.

Near this last feature, a man made impoundment encouraged recreation and proved to be suitable habitat for some of the aquatic species we would encounter later.

Page 6

August 2003

Friday night, people arrived who would camp for the weekend. Five tents housing ten herper's were soon erected. The campers sat and enjoyed the soft, cool breeze and renewed acquaintances until nightfall when road cruising could begin.

Volume 23

NumberS

soon almost everyone had close calls or captures .

One close call (for the frogs) came when two park rangers happened down the road where we were frogging. As they approached, a wood frog jumped into the path of their truck. An observant MHS member jumped in front of the (slow moving) truck, much to the surprise of the female ranger at the wheel. This commotion roused the other rest of our group, and we boiled out of the bushes flashlights in hand around the truck upon hearing the initial shout "STOP." To the poor ranger it The road herping would be limited must have seemed she had made a to the park roads as the gate auto- wrong turn and entered some sort matically closed at 10:00pm. of ambush.

Nevertheless, gray tree frogs were heard calling from the wetlands, The frog survived the experience along with american toads and and the park personnel went on green frogs. The treefrogs proved about their way; perhaps a little easy to catch as they moved across more warily? The evening's herping the road. would soon draw to a close. Most species heard calling had relinGreen frogs were the next target quished a representative member species. A number were calling for photo documentation and a new from the pond near shore, so the day would begin all too soon. hunt was on! However, it soon became apparent that the frogs Saturday morning dawned clear were on the winning end of this sce- and cool. A pleasant night would nario. Several were well camou- give way to a beautifully warm sumflaged or calling near impenetrable mer day touched by a refreshing shoreline thickets. That is, until the breeze. Several more people were first capture broke the deadlock, added to the group as those who

The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

August 2003

Volume 23

Number 8

2003. The greater percentage of prairie habitat in the park had not been burned. Unfortunately, the foliage in those sections was too tall by this time to spend a lot of time searching.

As usual, scant cover was available for flipping; the parks' rules do not allow trash heaps. Still, herps were found including amphibians such as leopard frogs, and american toads.

Reptiles were represented by paint-

It is debatable if it is more fun to catch the animals or to photograph them Heather Ingbretson herping in the soli-

Grey Treefrog (Hyla versicolor) did not wish to sleep in the great tude of a beautiful landscape outdoors arrived. ed turtles and a prairie skink.

A good portion of the park would be Redbellied snakes were encouncovered during this day in search of tered a number of times. However, herptiles. Ponds were investigated all other serpents were distressingly and forest trails perused. A lot of absent. time was spent around the large . swamp and on the sections of At mealttm~s, plans wer? made .and prairie that had been burnt earlier in captures dtscussed whtle capttves waited to be photographed.

Saturday evening the road survey was repeated with the addition of a couple more ardent searchers.

Green frog (Rana clamitans)

While herps were abundant, the mosquitoes vied for a close second this time.

Reclbelly snake (Storeria occipitomaculata)

one many wetland areas of the park.

Sunday weather would be a repeat of the prior day, except perhaps somewhat warmer. The species captured were similar as well with only a couple that had been observed and not collected being added to the total. After a midday Page 7

The Newsletter of the .Minnesota Helvetological Society

August 2003

photo shoot of the last remaining herps, camp was .s~ruck: animals released and the remaining diehards left for home.

The 2003 outing represents the third year MHS has pertormed state palk sUiveys, in recent history. It is also the fourth palk sUiveyed for the DNR in the same pericd Th' . t '11 be ti ed' t th . IS prOJ9C WI con nu In 0 e futu~e as long as MHS members express an I~terest and th.e D~R requests our seMC9S. Future tnps Will be announced as they are planned. Thanks to all who participated in this MHS field trip and to those individuals who helped setup, maintain and teardown the camp.

Heather Ingbretson catches a large green frog tadpole

As a last Rem, if anyone has any interesting ideas for places to go or suggestions on how, where or when we plan these trips, please let the author or any board member know. There are many other ways to run the event. Several ideas are being kicked around such as local daytlips, fall, (rather than spling), etc. Please pass on any feeling you have on this as well. Thank you. ยง

Volume 23

Number 8

Turtle trapping: An uncamman practice with an uncertaO f t

ure

In U Bill McAuliffe, Star Tribune

B~MIDJI, MINN. - W~ Four-Legged Lake shl?Jmered under a WI:m blue sky as Dean Heidelberger ~ved hIS canoe from shore.

A loon, laughing nervously, was the only other creature on the water. ~ was a blilliant July moming, but for Heidelberger, tl was the beginning of a bad day.

One of only a few dozen Minnesotans licensed to catch and sail turtles he hoped to harvest about 100 westem painteds from 26 handmade traps he'd floated among the cattails, lilies and rice. But he found only about two dozen, worth about $40. He tossed back eight others as too big or too nicked up for the overseas pet malket. And one turtle nipped and bloodied his cheek.

"People think evel}lbody makes a lot of money in this racket," said Heidelberger, 44.

"But irs not true."

Even so, the Legislature decreed last year that there will be no more new commercial turtle licenses, out of concem that intemationaI demand might increase the harvest of Minnesota's turtles, particularly the westem painted.

That move already has reduced the number of licensed turtlers from an average of about 100 annually to 41 this year and promises to make turtlers such as Heidelberger the last of their kind. And many of them feel that follOW-Up proposals by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to restIict existing turtle harvesting will only hasten the end.

"A lot of guys have done this for three generations," said Rex Campbell of Grey Eagle, who for many years has been regarded as the state's most active turtler. (turtle trapping.... continued on page 10)

Page 8

TIle Newsletter of the Minnesota HCJl>etological Socicty

August 2003

Volume 23

Number 8

Bid to bring Lonesome George out of his shell July 12 2003

By Chris Johnston theage.com.au A loveless giant tortoise named Lonesome George is at the centre of an intemational effort to save his species from extinction through DNA.

included, she hopes to solve the riddle of their peculiar, isolated evolution and then prevent their extinction. The main islands being studied are the largest - Santa Cruz and Isabella He is the only remaining giant tor- Dr Caccone works in conjunction toise from the Galapagos island of with the Charles Darwin Pinta, 1500 kilometres off the coast Foundation. Darwin based many of of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. his evolutionary findings on fieldHe was found in 1971, alone on the work done in the Galapagos archivolcanic island, a confirmed bache- pelago. lor.

Since then Lonesome George - who is 80 years old and weighs 88 kilograms - has lived in a captive breeding enclosure on Isabella island, 200 kilometres away, in the company of female giant tortoises. But so far, their charms have eluded him.

According to Dr Gisella Yale Caccone, from University in the US, he has mounted several females but none of the encounters have had a baby star tortoise at Melbourne Zoo. happy ending.

Picture: Wayne Tay/or Dr Caccone, a delegate at Melbourne's International Genetics Congress, is a senior research scientist at Yale's department of ecology and evolutionary biology. She is also the director of Ecosave, a Yale unit studying near-extinct animals.

Through the DNA of giant tortoise subspecies from the Galapagos archipelago, Lonesome George

"Each island in the group has its own unique species with unique genetics," she said. "They all have unique evolutionary lineages.

Through DNA analysis we are trying to find how best to maximise pairing for the best genetic diversity of each subspecies."

The DNA is collected through blood from the giant tortoise's front leg.

Lonesome George is quite small compared to some. The largest can

weigh up to 200 kilograms. Bone and skin samples from extinct species have also been studied.

From 15 subspecies of giant tortoises in the archipelago, only 11 remain. But genetic studies are helping them to breed. On the island of Espanola, there are now 600 giant tortoises where once there were only 12.

"The program is working because there are more animals on the islands now," Dr Caccone said. ''They are having babies. But on the other hand if the environment on the islands changes, this population will not be strong."

Dr Caccone said the giant tortoises had lived on the islands for 2 million years. They were culled for food by sealers and whalers in the 19th century.

Modern threats came from tourism proposals on some Galapagos islands, EI Nino weather patterns and wild goats, which breed rapidly and eat all the food. To solve the goat problem, teams of New Zealand hunters have been hired to fly over the island in helicopters, herd the goats and shoot them.

Lonesome George, meanwhile, is fed papaya daily. It has kept him alive but failed to boost his libido. "I have to say that I think Lonesome George will never find a mate," Dr Caccone said. "He has been lonely for a long time."

Page 9

August 2003

Volume 23

Number 8

(turtle trapping....continued from page 8)

But in sane rxuts of the oorld, no1abIy Q1i1a, 'They're not goilgto abuse the resource. Then Japan and Gennany, the demand for turtles of 1heir kijs have anythi1g to 00. Thafs the aD kinds for food, folk mecicine and pels has Ilst thilg we want to 00." depleted local popula!icns, and sane believe the maJket could make commercial turtling in The turtle indusby is truly one of Minnesota's Minnesota much more Mlrthvvtlile. nhas been badwiater businesses. Of there V>ith licenses, banned il several slates, incIucfI1g Waxnsin, there appear to be less than two oozen acWe 'hhidl stowed the pracOCe il1997. tur1lers, most of 'hhorn learned tt from their fathers or grandfathers. They're aIIO'Ned to trap Ridl Baker, a nongame anil1al research coorthree of Minnesota's nile turtle species - snap- dilator for the DNR, said the agency is propi1g. pailted and spi:ly softsheIls - and they ceedngmorecautiouslythanWlSCOOSin,bying walk mostly central and north-central to phase out commercial turtle haJvesti1g Mi1nesota lakes and the MississPPi River il before the state's last three unprotected southeastem Mmesola. Ll<e Heidelberger, species beoorne either more valuable, demonmost combi1e turtfng V>ith mi1ncw-<:atchilg, strably scarce or both. commercial fishing or leech-trapping, and maybe sane fur trapping il the 1Mlter.

Clamping cbwn

won'

"My dad raised ei;Jht kids on it," said Ben HedsIn:m, the state's p!imaJy turtle wholesaler, 'hho lives il Alexandria "One thi1g about it It's il )(lUI" blood. My family's been doing tt since 1925."

HekleIJerger said he befleves the nf!oN rules, ff adJpted, would knock hm out of the business.

He and others fXl.y they would have been happy ilstead to accept a size irntt of about 5 i1ches on painted turtles, 'hhidl would have kept breecfng turtles il Mmesota waters. The DNR crnsk:Jeredthat, Bakersaid, but got 0flIl0" sition from resort toMls such as Nisswa and Longville, IMlere weekly turtle races are a bi;) summertime draw. larger, faster painted turtles are preferred for racing.

Lucky to be alive That turtles tum up il trape at all, or live to run races, is in sane ways remarkable. Experts fXl.y that as many as 95 percent of turtle eggs make an attractive snack for raccoons, skunks and other predators, 'hhose numbers are expandingasthemaJketforfurhasdecreased.

And untold and i1creasing numbers of female turtles get thumped by vehicles as they aoss roads 'hhile tryi1g to find places to lay eggs.

In ad:lition to the 1lOfleW-Ik:enses plan, the DNR has i1creased the annual license fee from $70 to $Z50. nalso wanls to reduce the number of pai1tecJ.turtle trape aIIoNed per trapperto40 (~s OON unlmtted), require trappers to empty traps every two days and requre them Jam Moriarty, a v-.iI:lIife resource manager and Campben has been trapping turtles since he to report llkiidllakes they're haJvesti1g. coauthor of the book ''Amphilians and Reptiles was a teenager il the 19OOs, and il recent Native to Mimesota," said that 'hhile eggiJreyears has earned between $5,000 and Trappers fXl.y the trap rmtt is both too IoN and dation and traIIic threals can' be controlled, $10,<XXl, seling them, mostly to Hedstrom. In umecessaJy. Emptyi1g traps every two days trapping can be.

1998, he said, he made $3O,<XXlon 2O,<XXltur- liviD hurt, they fXl.y, because turtles attract other tXls, his best year ever. turtles.

Haivest numbers il Minnesota "are not goilg to dive turtles to extilction," MoIiarty said. "But That year turtlers reported puning nearly Heidelberger, 'hho lives il Ek River but spends a lot of the roncem from conservationists isn' OO,<XXl pai1ted turtles on the maJket - a num- summers near Paik Rapids, has about 65 Vvi1at the current activity is il Minnesota, ~s ber that both campbeB and DNR officials traps out and said he'd Ii<e to 1Ul100, but that Vvi1at the potential for newcomers is. All of a believe is understated. CXlIy about 4,500 snap- many would require too much WOIk. So trap- sud:len the person who might have been a ping turtles, 'hhidl gn:m much larger than the pers effectively set 1heir 0'M1 rmtts, he said. weekand trapper might fi1d tteconomicallyfea. pai1ted turtles, are trapped and sold each year, sbIe to go out and 00 this." virtually aH for their meat Far fewer spily soft- He also argued that the rurrent handful of shells, also sold for meat are trapped. rlCel1Sed trappers, woiki1g Milnesota's plentiful CampbeD has butted headswerthe yearsVvith lakes and rivers, could never deplete the num- the DNR 0Jer his turtle trapping, and he w:J!1 But no one kn<:Nvs how many total turtles there ber of pai1ted turtles, North America's most one case il court. But he has pulled back are il Milnesota. populous turtle. from trapping, he said, both to ooncentrate on his batt business and because he's a IttHeKJelberger and campbell fXl.y that most Tur1lers have petitioned for a heaJi1g on the tie baHIe-weary. tur1lerstoss beck any paintedturtle more than 5 DNR's proposed rules, so both sides wm air 112 i1ches long, 'hhidl is Ii<ety a breecfng their views Tuesday in S. Cloud before an "We just want to be able to make a IMng," female and too bi;J for the pet market That administrative law juq;je. The judg:l unillatety he said. ยง practice is desi;Jned to ~ stabilIze or even can order that the rules be tweaked, reronsic!i1crease the turtle population, they say. ered or enacted.

Page 10

The Ne\vsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

REPORT FROM HERP'N MAN

THE

August 2003

Volume 23

Number 8

Rep: Well, we manufacture proudl clear and opaque storage boxes in a myriad of sizes.

Rep: Ahhhh .... What?!

" ... Here is another in a series of HM: Like shoe and sweater HM: Your service is, I feel, to be infrequent contributions from of highest order in your field as boxes? the anonymous Herp'n Man ... " it serves to encourage Amateurs Rep: Exactly! You have amazing herpetoculturists due to cost Being a man of worldly travels, I acuity! effectiveness while allowing tend to meet a cadre of imporCommercial keepers and breedtant persons. Recently while on HM: Well I am flatteredl ers the freedom to easily a cross country flig~t I..hap- However next to you I must pale expand and prosper.

Thus pened to sit. next to an 1n~lvldual in comparisonl In any case, encouraging the rapid growth of of unusual Import, especially as how would you classify your HERPETOCULTUREI SOON it concerns herpetoculture, my companies work?

WE WILL CONQUER THE second passion.

GLOBE!!! (gasp!.. cough .... , Rep: I feel we manufacture a whe~eeze ... , a~propriate pause He was a Product Rep (that s quality product that is affordably for silent adulation!) salesman for the I~y person! of priced; widely available that considerable expenence, a field successfully fulfills our client's Rep: Hey! Who are you anyin which I also dabble. In the needs I way .... ? course of our conversation, I attempted to wrest sage advice HM: You are a sales GODI HM: Oh! Well, as I see our from him. Then, as the end of plane has just docked, that's all our flight neared, I decided that Rep: What?

I have time for now. From your it would be important to finish roving reporter ... The Herpin' with an interview, which I will HM: Ahhh ... Never mind. Who, Man, See Yal share with you now. ahh ... Who is your end user?

Rep: HEYI COME BACK HM: Hi, tell me who you are and Those are MY Rep: The general public bene- HERE!! what you do. fits as do businesses from small Samples ........ to large multinational conglomRep: I'm Ralph and I am the erates.

North Central Rep for a global supplier of multi-use, precise, HM: Wowl I also use your prodand innovative personal and uct and I must say that I agree business solutions. with all your points.

HM: Very interestingl What Rep: Thank you! type of product is your specialty?

HM: Lastly, I need to ask you ... . how it feels, knowing that the Rep: I specialize In marketing product you sell provides clean business and personal storage and safe housing for probably, items. ahhh ... 40 million or more repHM: What product would our tiles and saves their owners a audience be familiar with? lot of money? You must be very Page 11

TI1C

~

-F' ~ I'

R"nti1e 1

f---

~ I, *----+----+-----=

I"

I"

~ ~:=

f---

I-I--

f---

~

"J.L

~ '"

'" -

I" "

,.

Across

==

~

c6'

~

~

W\\I

1. A large, meat-eating reptile.

4. Turtles have this on their back.

7. Another word for a meat eater.

8. A type of lizard.

10. Another large, meat-eating reptile.

13. A type of constricting snake.

15. Extinct land reptiles from the Mesozoic Era. 19. Reptiles breathe this.

20. A venomous snake.

22. A type of New World lizard; it can change its color.

23. A poisonous snake that starts with a "V." 24. An alligator lay eggs in this.

28. A noisy lizard with toe pads.

30. Where you can see a lot of animals.

31. A lizard that can change Its color.

33. A fast-moving poisonous snake.

34. A noisy, poisonous snake. ~ 35. Some skinks have a blue _ .

submitted by Sean Hewitt

I-

./

~ ~ \.,-

I"

-

-

Page 12

~

T

I"

~

I'

I--

1lOT----r-r--rrr---.--",L-----.----l-I-----l I" I"

I"

NumberS

1

I

I--

Volume 23

Crossword pu~z~ I' I' ~ Ir,----[ '----'------'-'-1'-----'----'1

h"I,-+---,---r--r--r---'I---'---'---'

t

August 2003

Ncwsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

-

-

-

-

I--

-

"

-

l

I"

"I"

1

,il'!;.~.r.l

~w~

=- i=1"-+-~I~~~1 ~, .1 1~

I~,,-I-+--'I---'-~ Down

E

2. Most reptiles are active during the_.

3. A long-tailed, 4-legged reptile 4. Reptiles gettheir healfrom this.

5. Lizards have four oflhese.

6. This describes the skin of most reptiles.

9. The world's biggest lizard.

10. The world's biggest snake.

11. A venomous lizard.

12. A reptile with a hard, protective shell.

14. Reptiles have this atthe end of their body.

16. A type of lizard.

17. A poisonous snake.

18. Legless reptiles.

21. _ constrictor.

25. Reptiles hatch from these.

26. A large, lizard-like reptile from New Zealand.

27. Lizards have _ eyes.

29. A crocodilian with a long, skinny snout.

32. Most reptiles like _weather belter than cold.

TIle Newsletter of the Minnesota HC1l)ctological Society

August 2003

Volume 23

Number 8

Minnesota Herpetological Society Treasurer's Report Prepared by Marilyn Brooks Blasus, Treasurer EngNsh Sj>OI

Outch

Jim's Rabbit Shack "WI",,, Spots Are Tops'

JIMOALUGE (763l295-2818

8700 Jaber Ave. NI< Monticello, MN 55362

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

Total Income:

$ 315.00 $ 463.50 $ 335.00 $ 60.00

$ 0 $1173.50

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

Total Expense:

$ 0 $ 161.07 $ 356.50 $5000.00 $ 0 $ 226.58 $5744.15

Net Gain I (Loss):

($4570.65)

•Repliles' Ampblbians·lnvertebrates· Small Mamm~s' Fish t Complele Uno 01 Cages, Food, Books &Supplies for All Animals

Hours: Sat. 10.6

The LARGEST) BEST Selection in the Twin Cities

Sun. 12·5

Since 1979

Mon•• Fri. 10-8

REPTILES 2363 University Ave. W. SI. Paul, (112 Blk Eo 01 Raymond) Only $5 Per Month .•••.• $55 Per Year

(651) 647·4479

www.twinciUesreptiles.com

GET'THE FAOTS NOT 7'8& MYRI III

~

.----~--------.

-~.

Page 13

The Newsletter of the Minnesota. HeI1>elological Society

August 2003

Volume 23

Number 8

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 (Lito ria au rea) $10 OBO; 1.0.0 White-lipped treefrog (Litoria infrafenata) $10 OBO; 1.0.0 Fire belly toad $5 OBO. Call Sara at (952) 949-6690 or litoria76@visi.com +++

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

Call Bob Duerr 651-489-5087

For Sale: Dart frogs. 3 yellow gal acts, 3 oyopok tincts, 1 leucomelas. Mark Hauge, 320-202-971 or whitneywee@charter.net +++ Frozen Rabbits - all sizes.

Prices very reasonable - pinkies to adults.

Jim Daluge 763.295.2818 Flightless Fruilflies - Excellent food for dart frogs, mantellas, hatchling geckos, baby chameleons, spiderlings, and other small herps. Two species available: Drosophila melanogaster (small) and Drosophila hydei (large). $5/culture or $25/6 CUltures. Each culture contains 30 to 50 adult flies and has potential to produce several hundred young.

Also, Mealworms, two sizes available regular and mini. $5/1000. Can be delivered to MHS meetings. Call Tony Gamble 612-747-6682 or email tgamble@attbi.com +++

Pinkies Fuzzies Hoggers Adults

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

Pinkies Fuzzies SmAdult MedAdult

LgM!!!l 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 Holmstrom at 651.224.7212 or jodyalso@yahoo.com Page 14

•

@~lJ' W@[]JJ~ ~~~~§,\®~ lJ'@ W@[]JJ~ lJ'§'\~@~lJ' §,\[]JJI!i)O~~©~ \\.mOlJ'1KI §,\ llU~ I¥§'\@~

§,\I!i)o

$11 ® IP~~ fllj]@~1]'1Ml $11 11 ® IP~~ W~L!,\~"

'12th month is free on a one year commitment

•

•

/i.\fr§;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;~~.~ ('

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

MHS AD RATES Business card 1/4 Page 1/2 Page Full Page

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

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

ject to occasional omission.

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

Classified Ads: All active members are allowed a classlfled 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 mailing permits, we are not allowed to run ads for travel, credit or Insur-

ance agencies.

Submissions: An advertisements should be submitted to the MHS Editor, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Deadlfne

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

(!II

•

is the night 01 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: Sustaining ($60/year) Corresponding Memberships:

List in MHS Directory?

Yes

No

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

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

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

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

L _______________________________________________ ~

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

POSTMASTER: DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DELIVER BY JULY 28

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA- ST. PAUL CAMPUS

'" /0 Hwy36

~ I[

LARP[£Nr£UR

+== =-

to

:::J

FOLWELL

[

BORU\UG

HAll

a

~~ :1 ~«>

'"

\!i"

e;

'"<0 ~

'i

"""I

~

I

~..

1/

I

is;\JO(.>.(fj

-

':.:;<

BUFOAD

Sne{Ii(lg~ ""'>0'-~.

C)

§1

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

,~,

:i!

,~

'4

gj

r~ r---' .~ ,;._..5, [/ ,.

z'-

I

,.--I:",

~." ~

1-1 ••,

; 510 SCI ,

! CE.'IlE.~ J

MHS Voice Mail: 612.624.7065

, __-:::1 ....

C:..;J"

.

r7 - '-,

Next Meeting: Friday, August 1, 2003 7:00PM Room 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M SI. Paul Campus

MHS Web Page:

lil

www.bellmuseum.org/herpetology/main.html

~

C

A

N

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE

s

SEPTEMBBR 2003

o

c

VOLUMB 23

I

T

NUMBBR 9

y