Vol. 28 (2008), No. 5

M I N N E S O T A HERPETOLOGICAL S O C I E T Y N

E W S L E T T E R

IN THIS ISSUE: MAY IS RATTLE SNAKE MONTH WITH SPEAKER JIM GERHOLDT A REBUTTAL ON A FLAWED PYTHON NEWS RELEASE. 2008 MHS FIELD SURVEY INFORMATION

May

2008

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President Jennifer Hensley Vice- President David Dewitt

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MHS VOICE MAIL: 612.624.7065 MHS WEBPAGE: HTTP://WWW.MNHERPSOC .ORG GROUP E MAIL : HTTP ://WWW. GROUPS.YAHOO.COM/ GROUP/ MNHERPSOC

Treasurer Nancy Haig

The Purpose of the Minnesota Herpetological Society is to:

Membership Secretary Chris Smith

• Further the education of the membership and the general public in care and captive propagation

Recording Secretary Ellen Heck News Letter Editor James Soos MEMBERS AT LARGE Jeff LeClere Pete Kazeck Christina Dunathar Kathy Claugherty COMMITTEES Adoption Sara Richard Education Jan Larson

Library Carmelita Pfar Webmaster Anke Reinders

Cover Animal Black Tailed Rattler By Jim Gerholdt

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Minnesota Herpetological Society

• 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 Newsletter is published monthly to provide its members with information concerning the society’sto all individuals with an interest in amphibians and reptiles. The Minnesota Herpetological Society 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.

Ads or Notices must be submitted no later than the night of the General Meeting to be included in the next issue. Longer Articles will be printed as time and space allows and should be in electronic File format if possible.

See Inside back cover for ad rates.

Submissions may be sent to: The Minnesota Herpetological Society Attn: Newsletter Editor Bell Museum of Natural History 10 Church St. SE. Minneapolis, MN 55455.0104 Please send email to mhsnewseditor@yahoo.com

THE NEWS LETTER OF THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Comments on a Flawed Herpetological Paper and an Improper and Damaging News Release from a Government Agency

by David G. Barker and Tracy M. Barker,

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appears to us to be a self-serving attempt by federal biologists to bully and intimidate the American public into supporting unnecessary regulation, research and grants.

We here discuss our various criticisms of the paper and its conclusions.

In mid-February 2008, a news release issued by United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicated on a map of the U.S. mainland the “climatically suitable” areas for “invasive alien pythons. ” Now many people feel that there is nothing more terrible than being invaded by an alien python and the USGS news release quickly generated extensive publicity. Newspapers and television programs around the country made mention of the story.

Federal biologists were interviewed. The resulting publicity was a lesson in fear-mongering promoted by a government agency.

Why Is the Indian Python Included in the Analysis?

The reports were based on a paper titled “What Parts of the US Mainland Are Climatically Suitable for Invasive Alien Pythons Spreading from Everglades National Park?” The authors are Gordon H. Rodda, Catherine S. Jarnevich and Robert N. Reed. Dr. Rodda graciously sent us an advance copy of the paper, which has been accepted and is in press at Biological Invasions. The authors are employed by the U.S. Geological Survey

Close examination of the account for P. molurus in McDiarmid et al. (1999) clearly shows that there is nothing “questionable” about the validity of the taxon bivittatus.

It is currently accepted and in wide use by all authorities and has been for nearly 80 years (Mertens, 1930; Stull, 1935; Stimson, 1969; McDiarmid et al. , 1999). In fact, we are aware that there has been discussion among several groups to recognize bivittatus as a full species; at least one manuscript is in prep.

Biological Resources Division and are identified on the internet as “invasive species biologists. ” The invading alien python to which the title refers is the Burmese python, Python molurus bivittatus, an Asian species now included on the list of 45 exotic reptile species found in South Florida.The conclusion of the paper is that the Asian rock python, Python molurus, could thrive in the climate of the southern third of the U.S.A. , including Memphis, Oklahoma City,Dallas, Tucson, San Francisco, Fresno, Washington, D.C. , and even southern Utah. In an interview published by the San Francisco Chronicle on 21 February 2008, biologist Roddastated that already he had found one Burmese python that had traveled 100 miles from the Everglades on its way to California.

We find it irresponsible for federal biologists to have publicly stated or published that “invading alien pythons” from the Everglades were in the process of spreading throughout the country. As we will show, there are no data in the paper that would support this conclusion.

The publicity sought and managed by USGS employees constitutes a grave abuse of the public trust. This was a careful presentation based on data that are severely compromised by selective interpretation, resulting in gross exaggeration of what are posed as probable future scenarios.

In our opinion, to disseminate as fact such fanciful predictions of disaster to a naive public in the name of science and government agencies amounts to ecoterrorism. It

A fundamental flaw of the study is the addition of the Indian python, Python molurus molurus, to the analysis.

The first sentence of the second paragraph in the Introduction reads as follows: “The Burmese Python is a questionable subspecies of the Indian Python, Python molurus (McDiarmid et al. 1999). ” This casual throwaway line is apparently intended as the justification to expand the analysis to include the western subspecies, P. m. molurus.

The Indian python, P. m. molurus, is listed as an endangered species by the U.S. Endangered Species Act, and as an Appendix I endangered species by CITES. The U.S. captive population is small, with fewer than 100 individuals (our estimate) spread across the country in private hands, and a few in zoos. The taxon has not been imported since 1972. There are no established wild populations in North America and there are no reports of escapes; to our knowledge, not a single specimen has ever been recovered from the wild in the U.S.A. The Indian python is one of two python taxa endemic to the northern hemisphere, while the Burmese python distribution extends to 8ES latitude. The Indian python is a widespread, polymorphic taxon with some populations highly adapted in size, diet, behavior, and thermal tolerances in response to habitat, elevation and climate unique to the Indian subcontinent. Specimens from the populations in the xeric areas of Pakistan rarely exceed 3 m in length and adult size of some is less than 2 m (Minton, 1966, and pers. com. ). Elsewhere in the range, specimens have been known to reach or exceed 5. 5 m (Wall, 1912; Murphy and Henderson, 1997).

As evidence of their unique genetic identities, the two subspecies exist in sympatry in several areas of their distribution (Barker and Barker, 2008). They apparently maintain their genetic identities through resource partitioning of prey and habitats (O’Shea, 2007).

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THE NEWS LETTER OF THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY We question the logic and the motives of the authors that they would have even considered to include data derived from the distribution of the Indian python in this study when clearly only P. m. bivittatus is the focus of their concern. As is the case with other flaws in this study, this decision creates the distinct impression that the authors manipulated data purposely to create a particular result.

The decision to include the Indian python in the data set and analysis negates all validity to this study.

Problems with Burmese Pythons in the Analysis Never mind the Indian python problem, an equally serious flaw exists in the data sample taken across the range of Burmese pythons.

Burmese pythons naturally occur in the countries of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, China and Indonesia. Most of these countries have never allowed commercial exportation of live Burmese pythons. To our knowledge, there has never been any specimen in captivity or for sale in this country that was identified as being from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, China or Indonesia.

The following import/export information for Burmese pythons comes from a 1989 data sheet created

by CITES Trade Database (Global Python Trade, 1984SQ1998). Information on trade in pythons is available today at [http: / /www.unep-wcmc.org/citestrade/].

Thailand was the primary exporter of Burmese pythons from the late 1960s until commercial exports were stopped after 1985. We are told by Otis Whitaker, a Burmese python importer in the 1970s who spent many years traveling to Bangkok, that the bulk, if not all, of Burmese pythons exported from Bangkok were collected in the general vicinity of Bangkok. Most or all came from between 13 to 14E30NN latitude, at elevations not exceeding 100 m.

In 1986, Malaysia suddenly began exporting several thousand Burmese pythons; the following five years Malaysia was the dominant supplier to the American pet trade. Significant numbers of Burmese pythons were exported from Singapore in 1986 and from Taiwan in 1990. Interestingly, Burmese pythons are not known to naturally occur in any of the three countries (Barker and Barker, 2008). We do not know the origins of those pythons, but it seems parsimonious to assume that those shipments of extralimital pythons originated from Thailand. Hong Kong, then a colony of the United Kingdom, also exported live pythons in 1988, but the circumstances are the same as for Singapore and Taiwan, and it is highly unlikely that those pythons

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originated from anywhere near Hong Kong.

Numbers of imported Burmese pythons steadily declined from 1988 through the early 1990s. Relatively few live Burmese pythons were exported during 1991 - 1993.

In 1994, Vietnam began to export live Burmese pythons, and since that time has been the source of nearly all Burmese pythons imported into this country. These Burmese pythons imported into the U.S.A. are mostly from captive breeding farms in southeast Vietnam in the vicinity of Ho Chi Minh City. This is located between 10 and 11EN latitude at an elevation less than 50 m.

Therefore it is our observation and opinion that all Burmese pythons in the United States are from or descended from tropical, low latitude, low elevation populations.

Rodda et al. (2008) even state “Furthermore, the gene pool of the North American population of P. molurus may include only a small subset of the genetic variability found in the native range. . . . ” Regardless, they still chose to include in their data set samples derived from throughout the entire distribution of both P. m. bivittatus and P. m. molurus.

Again, decisions to include irrelevant data from populations that do not exist and have never existed in captivity very negatively skew the results of the analysis.

One must infer that the decision to analyze data from throughout the range of the two subspecies was made purposely to create a particular result. This misuse of data alone negates all validity of this paper.

The Data There is a discourse in the Introduction on how little is known about the natural history, ecology, and population biology from any locality. The authors state, “Unfortunately, relevant demographic, energetic, or physiological values are unknown for any place in the python’s range. ” Apparently when faced with these daunting obstacles, invasive species biologists turn to climate data as a proxy in order to make predictive models. We can only assume that the data set used in the analyses included climate data derived from localities north of 30EN latitude, elevations up to 2400 m, and temperatures as low as 2EC --- these being some of the extremes mentioned in the text. In several places in the text the authors talk about localities in the “foothills of the Himalayas” and hibernation for extended periods of time --- neither of which applies to southern Vietnamese pythons. It may be that there are small, outlier populations to which this applies, but it does not apply to the Burmese pythons now residing in the Everglades.

We don’t know what parameters were set in the data analysis because the data are not included in the paper.

We emailed a request to authors Rodda and Reed for information about what environmental factors and values

THE NEWS LETTER OF THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY were utilized in the analysis. Our requests were unanswered.

Again, this suggests the possibility that the data have been manipulated to achieve a foregone conclusion. How many separate analyses were made, each time stroking the data until finally the desired map was created?

We recommend that it would be a proper action now for the authors to publish the data used in all analyses, including the exact locations of the 149 weather reporting stations used in the analysis, what exact snake localities they supposedly were paired with, and all data used from each locality, including location, elevation, all temperature and climate data, annual and seasonal precipitation, and any other seasonal data. In particular, it would be important to list all analyses that were made, and all changes of the data set to achieve each analysis.

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MHS Needs Volunteers: Holiday Banquet Committee Chair Please contact Jennifer Hensley Of course, another interpretation is that over a period of perhaps one or two million years, the Burmese pythons in the Everglades may be able to expand their range in the U.S.A. through adaptation and evolution, as has happened in Asia.

Somehow this is not the message that was broadcast in the USGS news release.

Conclusions

The Analysis and Results This analysis used climate data from throughout the ranges of the two python subspecies to generate a map showing the general climatic conditions within the distribution. Then, correlating the Asian data to U.S. climate data, a map was generated of the climatic conditions in the U.S.A. theoretically suitable for the survival of the two taxa. In the results of the published study, the approximate lower third of the country was indicated as favorable in climate.

It is, however, an erroneous conclusion to state that the results predict that the Burmese python could survive anywhere in the lower third of the country, even if climate were the only limiting factor. Nevertheless, as given by the title of their paper, this was the statement made by the authors.

This conclusion totally ignores the fact that data for a second taxon were included in the analysis. Also, and more important, to arrive at this conclusion is to totally ignore the importance of adaptations that each population has made to its particular locality and habitat.

As interpreted by the authors, their results predict that a Burmese python from tropical southeastern Vietnam could survive if it were placed in temperate Sichuan, China, or in the deserts of western Pakistan. That is no different than making the ludicrous statements that the Burmese pythons in the Everglades would thrive in Oklahoma City or San Francisco. Yet those exact statements were broadcast all across the nation on television, radio, newspapers, and magazines during the week of 18SQ22 February 2008.

We feel that the better conclusion to draw from the analysis is that if one could pick and choose from any of the populations of the Asian rock python in nature, then by selectively placing pythons from particular localities into climatically similar localities in the U.S.A. , it might be possible to establish P. molurus populations in many localities in the lower third of the country --- if climate was the only limiting factor.

We don’t fault scientists for setting up and working through unsuccessful projects. We don’t fault scientists for coming to wrong conclusions. However , when biased, self-serving, and damaging information is disseminated in a tabloid-like manner by news releases to the national media, we must question the motives, integrity, and the agenda of the U.S. Geological Survey. We make the following points: Before this paper was submitted to a journal, it should have undergone internal review within the U.S. Geological Survey. Was this paper released by the USGS in accordance with the strictly mandated protocol in the federal Information Quality Act (IQA)?

How did this paper pass the peer review ostensibly required before acceptance for publication in the journal Biological Invasions? We question the objectivity of the journal, the qualifications of the reviewers, and the choices made by the editor.

All persons involved with snakes, including snake keepers, hobbyists, snake breeders, importers, exporters, pet shops, nature centers, schools, zoos, and even children with pet snakes have been irreparably and immeasurably damaged by the false reports given to the media by USGS employees. Decades of work to educate the public about snakes were destroyed in the 15 minutes of fame enjoyed by these researchers.

This report and its circus-like news release constituted an attack on American small businesses. Reptile breeders, pet stores, rodent breeders, and other ancillary businesses have been drastically and negatively affected by this study.

Tens of thousands of businesses have been damaged.

Additionally, in Florida and across the South, real estate brokerages and agents, developers and city governments also may have been damaged by the national hysteria created by theUSGS News Release. The idea was planted in

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THE NEWS LETTER OF THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY the mind of the public that pythons are invading the South, all based on this deeply flawed report.We feel that the U.S. Geological Survey and its employees have acted improperly in the manner in which this report was prepared and then released to the public. This is particularly egregious considering that the paper itself is little more than yellow journalism cloaked as science. We question whether the agenda that was transparently the underlying basis for this paper, that being to exaggerate and inflate the problems posed by Burmese pythons in South Florida, was that of the researchers, or of the U.S. Geological Survey, itself.

The highly subjective nature of this invalid study, the inflammatory and incorrect results publicized in the USGS news release, and the resulting media storm, have been the equivalent of yelling fire in a crowded theater --- lots of people were hurt, and there was no fire.

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Stimson, A. 1969. Liste der rezenten Amphibien und Reptilien. Boidae (Boinae + Bolyeriinae + Loxoceminae + Pythoninae). Das Tierreich, Berlin, 89.

Stull, O. G. 1935. A check list of the family Boidae. Proceedings, Boston Society of Natural History 40(8): 387-408.

Wall, F. 1912. A popular treatise on the common Indian snakes. Part XVII. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 21: 447-476.

Editor’s Note: I would like to personally thank the Barkers and the Chicago Herp Society for allowing use to reprint this article.

David G. Barker and Tracy M. Barker, vpi@beecreek.net Literature Cited Barker, D. G. , and T. M. Barker. 2008. The distribution of the Burmese python, Python molurus bivittatus. Bull.

Chicago Herp. Soc. 43(3):33-38. [this issue] McDiarmid, R. W, J. A. Campbell and T. A. Touré. 1999.

Snake species of the world: A taxonomic and geographic reference, Vol. 1. Washington, D.C. : The Herpetologists’ League.

Mertens, R. 1930. Die Amphibien und Reptilien der Inseln Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa und Flores (Beitrage zur Fauna der Kleinen Sunda-Inseln I). Frankfurt: Abhandlungen der Senckenbergischen Naturforschenden Gesellschaft 42(3): 115-344.

Minton, S. A. 1966. A contribution to the herpetology of West Pakistan. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 134(2):29-184.

Murphy, J. C. , and R. W. Henderson.

1997. Tales of giant snakes: A historical natural history of anacondas and pythons. Malabar, Florida: Krieger Publishing Company.

M ’Shea, M. 2007. Boas and pythons of the world.

Princeton and Oxford: Princeton University Press.

Rodda, G. , C. S. Jarnevich and R. N. Reed. 2008. What parts of the US mainland are climatically suitable for the invasive alien pythons spreading from Everglades National Park? Biological Invasions [in press].

Sherry Peterson with Burmese Python at Hands on Event at Eastman Nature Center. Photo by Jim Soos

The Adoption Report This

month was kind of quiet. Only 9 animals came in. I believe the Snapping turtle is in foster so if anyone needs one let us know. For anyone that missed the meeting, an adult Corn came in with severe, old, healed chew marks.

I took it home and he came to his first hands on. He was a great conversation piece what with all the divots. A good reminder of why it is a bad idea to feed live.

1 6” Snapping turtle 1 Ornate Box Turtle 2 Painted Turtles Corn Snake Burmese Python 2 Boas (common) 1 Dumerals Sarah Richard Adoption Chair Minnesota Herpetological Society

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FIELD SURVEY 2008 IS NOW JUNE 20 - 22

cally, this is a group event; please be respectful of others as there will be members with differing levels of field expertise.

Where: Afton State Park When: June 20 -22 2008

MHS provides firewood, park maps, permits, and some food and drinks. Entrance and campsite fees are either furnished or reimbursed by MHS, depending upon the park.

First of all, thank you to all who voted for the date for this year’s survey. Many members voted, and several people re already signed up for the event.

The MHS performs an annual survey at a State Park decided upon by both the MHS and the MN DNR. We report our findings to the park and to the parks system at the DNR so they are aware of what herps occur in the park.

This report also helps them manage herp habitat within the park.

You don’t need to have herping experience to attend the survey. We usually like to herp in groups so there will be plenty of assistance for those who wish to learn. Aside from herping, the Field Survey is a great place to get to know fellow MHS members. We have picnics at the “base camp” and those who stay for the weekend have a blast camping out with a bunch of other herpers. I also must mention the ever-popular campfires; a setting in which lively conversation, food, and fun are always had, with frequent breaks to fend off those pesky raccoons! Those of you who camped at last year’s survey know what I mean!

The herp specimens we catch are often brought back to the “base camp” for a photography session. These sessions allow for additional conversations about photography techniques, tips, and equipment, all while getting some great photos. If we are lucky, Jim Gerholdt and Blake Sheldon will attend the photo shoot. Both are excellent photographers, and Jim typically brings along a multifunctional set in which to pose our catches. They are always glad to share photography tips with other members. Of course, all of our herp “models” are released where they were caught after everyone gets pictures.

Please bring your own field clothing and field/camping gear. MHS provides containers for holding specimens, but individuals must bring their own nets, snake hooks, etc.

Surveys begin Friday evening and usually go until mid day Sunday. Feel free to stay for the entire survey, or attend one day or part of one day.

Sign up before attending the survey. Likewise, notifications of cancellations are also encouraged as we try to organize group searches. We do not want to leave anyone out, but we also do not want to wait for people who are not going to show. You can sign up for the survey at monthly meetings, by email, or by phone.

For more information check out the MHS web site: http:// www.bellmuseum.org/herpetology/Research.html or from the main page, click Events and Meetings, then click Research/Field Trips.

If you have questions, please contact me at Reptilia74@aol. com or at 651 488 6388.

Hope to see you there!

Jeff LeClere

Needless to say, there is much more to the MHS Field Survey than just searching for herps. There are many different opportunities to share knowledge and get to know other members. I hope to see some new faces out there this year. If interested, please sign up at the May or June MHS meeting. If you will not be able to attend those meetings, my contact information is listed below, along with some general information about the survey: You must be a current member of MHS to attend the survey.

Please follow the rules and guidelines set forth by MHS and the Survey Coordinators.

The survey is open to all MHS members from those with no field experience to seasoned herpers. Experienced herpers can teach those with little or no experience. Typi-

2007 MHS Survey Photos By Jim Soos

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JUVIE PAGE

Name Sage Backer Age 11 (06/04/1996 How long have you been going to MHS Meetings?

Since I was Born, First MHS meeting I was 3 days old.

What is best about the MHS? The raffle and Speakers What is your favorite Herp?

Ornate Box turtle Next herp you would like to get?

A Bearded Dragon What are you Pets‛ Names?

Mable, Tony, Leana, Smokey, Tasha, Spike, ChocoChip, Inie, Mehni, Minnei, Moe, Stucky, Hinge, Alvin and alot more others to Name.

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WHITE SNAKE SALE REPORT:

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HANDS ON PHOTOS.

Our last meeting, Friday April 4th saw our annual White Snake Sale, one of the MHS’s oldest and largest yearly fundraisers. This year there were a variety of Herp related items open for silent bids in 3 separate rounds of sales. The annual photo contest was held and a new addition to the fun an Art Auction!

There was a bit of spirited bidding in both rooms with delighted winners all around and others wishing they had just bid $1 more.

The night began rather early with the first volunteers arriving around 5pm. There was much carrying, joking and talking as items arrived, were entered into the database and arranged into sales rounds. Through out the night volunteers brought back sold bids, set up for the next rounds, watched for late bidders and in the end totaled up numbers, delivered treasure and finally re-stored the room to it’s original condition, finally leaving around 10pm. All told $1351.00 in sales of donated items a new MHS record for one nights work.

I n the main room the Photo contest produced a lot of conversation and admiration for the skills of all the entrants, then, during the break our Auctioneer and his spotters raised over $359.00 auctioning off the donated art items.

Photo By Jim Soos

These volunteers deserve our thanks, so in no particular order: Skyler Bouley, Anke Reinders, Renee Valois, Yvette Marten, Carmelita Pfarr, Angel Nunez, Fred Bosman, Liz Bosman, Tim Einman, Lilly Carlon, Brandy Snyder, Christina Danathar, Nancy Haig, Bruce Haig, Josh Mahlow, Dave Dewitt, Amanda Dewitt, Ellen Heck, Chad Danathar, John Moriarty, Randy Blasus and Chris Smith, Thank you very much! I apologize if I omitted anyone.

Of course since all of the Items were donated and we would of course like to thank all the members and artists who donated to the sale and auction.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the following stores and vendors who stepped up to the plate and supported us with generous donations, Once again in no particular order: Petco Roseville, Exotic Aquatics, Twin Cities Reptiles, ExoTerra, Leap’n Lizards, St. Cloud Animal Hospital, Zoo Med Laboratories, Pretty Pets and The RAD Zoo.

Photo By Bill Moss

In closing, we raised over $1700.00 this year all from our members who helped out by opening their pockets and purchasing.

We hope you enjoyed it and remember to plan for next year’s sale!

Thanks, George Richard WSS Chair.

Photo By Jim Soos

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Our Hands-On Education Experiences By Sonja Koolmo In February, Scott and I participated in the hands-on at the Twin Cities Pet Expo. This was our first hands-on experience and we didn’t know what to expect. What we found out was how much we enjoyed it! Not only was it fun to share our animals with the general public, but it was equally fun to visit with and share information with the other members there. We learned a few things, too!

In March, we participated in our second hands-on . The Sunset Hills Environmental Quality Fair was just as enjoyable. For two hours we were given the opportunity to connect with elementary school-aged children and their parents. For many of those we met, it was their first face to face encounter with a snake. Watching them walk away with a smile on their face and knowing we had contributed to a positive first experience for them was incredible! Several children came back for a second, and even a third time!

On our way out, one of the teachers that had been directing the traffic in the hallways told us that we had been very popular - much more so than even the cake walk! Everyone just wanted to know where the snakes were!

Photo By Bill Moss

Although we’ve only participated in two, so far, Scott and I have found that the hands-on education opportunities are a great way for us, as members, to get involved and to further the purpose of the MHS. By sharing our animals during these hands-on events, we’ve been able to do some educating in a casual, non-threatening way. I believe that it’s a huge step in the right direction when we can provide someone with a positive reptile and/or amphibian experience. Who knows what it may lead to.

I encourage everyone who has yet to participate in a handson event to give it a try. I’m sure glad we decided to!

Photo By Bill Moss

Photo By Jim Soos

Photo By Jim Soos

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MAY IS RATTLE SNAKE MONTH AT THE NEXT MHS MEETING WITH GUEST SPEAKER JIM GERHOLDT. Jim has been working with rattlesnakes for almost 50 years.

He got his first, a Northern Pacific, in February of 1961.

During the time he has worked in zoos, and served 2 terms on the Antivenin Committee of the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums (AAZPA, now AZA) and was also an advisor to the Aruba Island Rattlesnake Species Survival Plan (SSP).He was fortunate to spend some time on Aruba in 1989 assisting in field work and another highlight of his time working with these snakes was attending the 4 day Biology of the Rattlesnakes Symposium in Loma Linda in January of 2005. The program will consist of slides of a variety of species, some habitats, a few of natural history, and some handling shots. He will also bring live specimens for viewing. These will include an Aruba Island Rattlesnake and our native Timber Rattlesnake, along with a few other surprises.

Jim Gerholdt along with Sheldon Blake at last year’s Survey by Jim Soos

Aruba Island Rattlesnake by Jim Gerholdt

Blacktail Rattlesnake by Jim Gerholdt

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Jim ‘s Hand vs Garter Snake during Photo Shoot by Jim Soos

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake by Jim Gerholdt

THE NEWS LETTER OF THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

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TWO SEDGWICK COUNTY ZOO KOMODO DRAGONS HATCH WITHOUT THE CONTRIBUTION OF A MALE Sedgwick County Zoo has become the first zoo in the Americas to document that Komodo dragons are capable of parthenogenesis (reproduction without the contribution of a male). One Komodo dragon entered the world on January 31 and a second hatched on February 1, 2008 thanks to this type of asexual reproduction.

Parthenogenesis is a reproductive process that occurs naturally in some species including invertebrates, lower plants, and less commonly in vertebrates such as reptiles and fish. A parthenogenetic egg needs no fertilization from a male because it inherits and duplicates the mother’s chromosome. Based on a Komodo dragon’s genetics of sex determination, hatchlings reproduced in this way will always be male.

The hatchlings are healthy and feisty, the first measuring almost 17 inches long from nose to tail and weighing 104 grams and the second hatchling measuring 16 inches long and weighing 100 grams. Both males are doing well.

Because of the nature of Komodo dragons, only one will be on exhibit at a time starting today, February 6, in the Amphibian and Reptile Building.

Sedgwick County Zoo has two adult Komodo dragons; both are female and cared for separately. One female laid approximately 17 eggs on May 19-20, 2007 and Zoo staff followed the Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommendation to incubate and hatch two eggs. The SSP wanted to further document that Komodo dragons are capable of parthenogenesis. Only two earlier cases were documented in 2006 at London Zoo and Chester Zoo in England.

Photo supplied by the Sedgwich County Zoo.

Remember a newsletter isn’t anything with out your help. If you would like to contribute an article, Photograph or even art please submit them by 5 p.m. on the following Tuesday of every Meeting.

Please send all electronic submissions to mhsnewseditor@yahoo.com.

We are currently looking for covers for the rest of the year.

Jim Soos

Special thanks to the Sedgwick County Zoo for allowing us to reprint this article.

THE MHS BOARD WOULD LIKE TO THANK BETH GIRARD FOR STEPPING UP AS THE DNR/STATE FAIR COMMITTEE CHAIR. 12

THE NEWS LETTER OF THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

MAY 2008

Treasurer's Report for Jan 2008

Treasurer's Report for Feb 2008 Prepared by Nancy Haig

NUMBER 5

Beginning Checkbook Balance: 22,998.50

Beginning Checkbook Balance: $23,568.93

Income:

Income: Membership

$205.00

Membership

$160.00

Library Fines

$0.00

Library Fines

$0.00

Raffle

$62.25

Raffle

$66.75

Adoption

$75.00

Adoption

$135.00

Rodent Sales

$364.00

Rodent Sales

$317.00

Hands Ons

$100.00

Hands Ons

$300.00

Sales

$0.00

Sales

$0.00

Total income:

$806.25

Total income:

$978.75

Expense:

Expense: Newsletter

$0.00

Newsletter

$269.55

Misc. prt/post.

$0.00

Misc. prt/post.

$0.00

Program

$50.00

Program

$50.00

Library

$0.00

Library

$0.00

Supplies

$0.00

Supplies

$0.00

Hands On

$0.00

Hands ON

$0.00

Rodent cost

$0.00

Rodent cost

$0.00

Adoption cost

$0.00

Adoption cost

$60.00

Donations

$0.00

Donations

$0.00

Voicemail

$92.32

Voicemail

$92.32

Holiday Banquet

$82.50

Holiday Banquet

$82.50

Total Expense

$224.82

Total Expense

$421.87

Cash increase/(decrease)

$581.43

Cash increase/(decrease)

556.88

Other*

Other* Ending Checkbook Balance:

$23,568.93

Ending Checkbook Balance:

$24,125.81

Placement of cash holdings

Placement of cash holdings

13

VOLUME 28

Checking account

$23,568.93

Checking account

$24,125.81

Cash on hand

$155.00

Cash on hand

$155.00

Total

$23,723.59

Total

24,280.81

G E T YOUR ME S SA GE TO Y O UR T AR GE T A UD I EN CE W I T H A 1 / 4 PA G E A D. $10 PER MONT H $ 1 10 P ER Y EA R *

*12th month is free on a one year commitment Advertising Policies

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

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

$55/Year* $110/Year* $220/Year* $440/Year*

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

New

MHS Ad Policy: The MHS assumes NO RESPONSIBILITY regarding the health or legality of any animal, or the quality or legality of any product or service advertised in the MHS Newsletter. Any ad may be rejected at the discretion of the Newsletter Editor. Due to space limitations, unpaid and complimentary advertisements are subject to occasional omission.

Classified Ads: All active members are allowed a classified ad, run free of charge as space permits. Ads may be run three consecutive months, after which time they may be resubmitted. Corresponding members are allowed a complimentary business card advertisement monthly as space permits. Due to federal restrictions on non-profit mailing permits, we are not allowed to run ads for travel, credit, or insurance agencies.

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

Minnesota Herpetological Society Membership Application Name

Renewal

Address

Membership#

City, State, Zip,

Type

Phone

Check #

Herp related interests

Active Memberships:

Email

Sustaining ($60/year)

Contributing ($40/year)

List in MHS Directory?

Yes

No

Basic ($20/year)

Corresponding Memberships: Commercial ($25/year, 2 business card ads/year) Required check info. Drivers Lic #

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 St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Please allow 6-8 weeks for processing.

Minnesota Herpetological Society Bell Museum of Natural History 10 Church Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104

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

Next Meeting:

Friday, May 2, 2008 Room 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus

MHS Voice Mail: 612.624.7065

MHS Web Page: www.mnherpsoc.org