Vol. 32 (2012), No. 2

the newsletter of the

Minnesota Herpetological Society

Contents Upcoming Speaker: The Complete Carpet Python

February 2012

Volume 32

Number 2

B OA R D OF DI R E C TOR S President Christopher E Smith president@mnherpsoc.com

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

651.315.7760

Vice President Dāv Kaufman 612.669.4567 vicepresident@mnherpsoc.com Recording Secretary Ellen Heck recsecretary@mnherpsoc.com

763.593.5414

Membership Secretary Heather Clayton 612.886.7175 memsecretary@mnherpsoc.com Treasurer Nancy Haig treasurer@mnherpsoc.com

Stay informed! Join us on our forums!

And, you can still leave us a Voice Mail: 612.326.6516

February 2012

Newsletter Editor Christopher Rueber 952.594.0101 newslettereditor@mnherpsoc.com Members at Large Jeff LeClere 651.488.6388 memberatlarge4@mnherpsoc.com

Number 2

THE PURPOSE OF THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY IS TO • • •

763.434.8684

Volume 32

Further the education of the membership and the general public in care and captive propagation of reptiles and amphibians; Educate the members and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles and amphibians; Promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.

The Minnesota Herpetological Society is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization. Membership is open to all individuals with an interest in amphibians and reptiles. The Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter is published monthly to provide its members with information concerning the society’s activities and a media for exchanging information, opinions and resources.

General Meetings are held at Borlaug Hall, Room 335 on the St. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota, on the first Friday of each month (unless there is a holiday conflict). The meeting starts at 7:00pm and lasts about three hours. Please check the MHS Voice mail for changes in schedules or cancellations.

Kat Rorvig memberatlarge1@mnherpsoc.com

SUBMISSIONS TO THE NEWSLETTER

Beth Girard 612.616.8431 memberatlarge2@mnherpsoc.com

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 elec- tronic file format if possible.

See inside back cover for ad rates. Submissions may be sent to:

Peter Tornquist memberatlarge3@mnherpsoc.om

COMMITTEES Adoption Sarah Richard RealSarah@aol.com

612.781.9544

Education Jan Larson jan.skunkhollow@juno.com

507.263.4391

The Minnesota Herpetological Society -or- newslettereditor@mnherpsoc.com Attn: Newsletter Editor Bell Museum of Natural History 10 Church St SE Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104

SNAKE BITE EMERGENCY

Library Nancy Haig 763.434.8684 nanchaig@citilink.com

HENNEPIN REGIONAL POISON CENTER 800-222-1222 Cover Photo Credit: Stewart Macdonald Found on Flickr. Reproduced with permission.

© Copyright 2012, Minnesota Herpetological Society. Except where noted, contents may be reproduced for non-profit, non-commercial use only. All material must be reproduced without change.

Proper credit will be given including the author/photographer and the Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter citing: volume, number and date.

The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

February 2012

Volume 32

Number 2

February General Meeting Presentation - Friday, February 3rd - Starting at 7 P.M. University of MN - St. Paul Campus, Borlaug Hall, Room 335 Nick Mutton presents on...

The Complete Carpet Python

By Dāv Kaufman Nick Mutton’s passion for pythons began in the early 90s when he obtained a young Python reticulatus, That animal was just the first of many that followed as his interest became an obsession. That fascination soon extended beyond just keeping pythons as he took a strong interest in the evolutionary biology and natural history of this group of animals.

For the last 15 years he has maintained a large collection of pythons and boas He is also a world traveler exploring and herping in Central America (Belize,Guatemala), Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia), Australia as well as the Peruvian Amazon.

Today his collection contains more than 20 species and he now works with reptiles full time, leaving his job and becoming a full time breeder in 2006. His long term focus has primarily been on Indo-Australian pythons, mainly maintaining and breeding the carpet python complex (Morelia spilota). He has spent considerable time researching the various bloodlines that he works with in an effort to maintain genetically diverse groups of pure specimens, something that is particularly difficult with spilota complex. He is the co-author of the recently released “The complete Carpet Python” (Eco Publishing) and currently lives in Eastern Washington State.

Board Minutes for November 5, 2011

By Ellen Heck Old Business The meeting was called to order at 6:10pm at the St. Paul Student Union. Ellen read the minutes. Several corrections were made. Motion to accept the minutes as corrected: Matt; 2nd: Heather. Motion passed.

Vice President’s Report Joey Mugggleston has confirmed for January, speaking on monitors; February will be Nick Mutton talking about carpet pythons and Mark Spatero in March. All expenses are not in yet for the year but the total may be slightly over budget.

Symposium Committee Although the numbers are not all in, we should come out a little ahead, although not a lot RenFest Committee Brandy Snyder Danaki and Rae Jacobs were accepted as the proposed new chairs.

Online Newsletter: Chris S has posted a notice informing the membership of this option. The societies and groups MHS does an exchange with will be contacted regarding their preference of electronic vs. paper.

Foster Committee: A notice and/or form can be posted on the member forums, asking for foster volunteers and what animals they are willing to take. The animals will need to be tracked and Sarah alerted as to what will be coming back each month.

New Business Election Results: The officer positions were uncontested, so for 2012 the officers will be Chris Smith as president, Dav Kaufman as vicepresident, Nancy Haig as treasurer, Ellen Heck 3

The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society as recording secretary, Heather Clayton as membership secretary and Chris Rueber as newsletter editor. The voting for member-at-large resulted in the election of Beth Girard, Jeff LeClere, Kat Rorvig and Peter Tornquist. The amendment to the bylaws to put a term limit on the position of treasurer was passed. Motion to accept the election results: Heather; 2nd: Chris S. Motion passed.

2012 Meeting Dates: The general meetings will be held January 6th, February 3rd, March 2nd, April 13th, May 4th, June 1st, July 13th, August

February 2012

Volume 32

Number 2

3rd, September 7th, October 5th, November 2nd and December 7th.

Budget: After discussion, a motion to accept a budget for 2012 with a $7200 deficit: Heather; 2nd: Matt. Motion passed.

Library: Jessie Payne has agreed to be the new librarian.

Motion to adjourn: Matt; 2nd: Sonja. Meeting adjourned at 9:30pm.

From the Editor A recap from the January ‘12 meeting was not available due to a recording malfunction. The session recap for the previous month should return in the March Newsletter for the February Speaker.

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The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

February 2012

Volume 32

Number 2

President’s Message Moving forward – electronic newsletters

the look and feel of the newsletter.

Greetings MHS members, as the new President of the MHS, I wanted to write a slightly more personal note discussing a major change to the MHS newsletter that is being implemented for 2012.

The primary reason the Board of Directors feels this is the next logical step in the evolution of the MHS is the fact that switching to an online version of the newsletter will cut costs (newsletter printing is our greatest expense) and will be more environmentally friendly.

Another important cost-saving measure is the fact that we will save money on postage (prices are steadily increasing).

Starting January 1st, 2012, all new and renewing MHS memberships at the $20 (Basic), $40 (Contributing), $60 (Sustainable), and $25 (Business) levels will receive ONLINE ONLY newsletters by default. Memberships expiring after the first of January will be grandfathered into the printed newsletter system at no additional cost until their 2012 renewal deadline. The most recent 12 online newsletters will be viewable (to current members only) by logging into the MHS’s website. All newsletters older than 12 months will be viewable to the public. We will also be sending out notices of availability and a link to view the newsletter via e-mail starting in January 2012.

As of January 1st, 2012, any member can request to be moved to the online only newsletter system. This is encouraged!

Please send your name (First and Last) and preferred email address to the Membership Secretary at:

I realize that not everyone will want electronic-only versions of the newsletter, so at this time, we will be allowing members to opt-in at an additional $5 a year fee to receive print copies of the newsletter at the time of their 2012 renewal.

However, I envision the MHS eliminating the printed version of the newsletter for members in the not so distant future. I encourage you to show your support during this time of transition and to sign-up for the online version of the newsletter even before your 2012 expiration date.

Happy New Year!

Chris

memsecretary@mnherpsoc.com There are many benefits for each member, and the society as a whole, by shifting to an electronic version of the newsletter. The first, and hopefully the most obvious to members, is the speed at which newsletters will become available. As soon as our very hard-working newsletter editor (Christopher Rueber) is finished putting the newsletter together (which is usually only 1-2 weeks after a general meeting), the newsletter will be available online for members to view!

Another benefit that members should notice right away is that the online version of the newsletter will be in full color! This will greatly improve

5

The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

February 2012

As of January 1st, 2012 all new and renewing MHS memberships at the $20 (Basic), $40 (Contributing), $60 (Sustainable), and $25 (Business) levels will receive ONLINE ONLY newsletters by default. Memberships expiring after the first of January will be grandfathered into the printed newsletter system at no additional cost until their 2012 renewal deadline. The most recent 12 online newsletters will be viewable (to current members only) by logging into the MHS’s website.

All newsletters older than 12 months will be viewable to the public. We will also be sending out notices of newsletter availability via e-mail starting in January 2012.

If a member desires to continue receiving printed copies of the newsletter in the mail, they will need to opt-in at the time of their 2012 renewal date. By opting in to a print copy of the newsletter, the member is also agreeing to pay an additional $5.00 above the cost of their standard membership and will need to notify and submit the additional fee to the Membership Secretary. That additional fee will need to be paid each year upon renewal.

As of January 1st, 2012, any member can request to be moved to the online only newsletter system before their 2012 renewal date. This is encouraged! Please send your name (First and Last) and preferred e-mail address to the Membership Secretary at: memsecretary@mnherpsoc.com Sincerely, MHS Board of Directors www.mnherpsoc.com

Number 2

Treasurer’s Report for Dec 2011

NOTICE- Minnesota Herpetological Society In an effort to cut costs and be more environmentally friendly, the current Board of Directors has made the decision to move the monthly newsletter to a digital format. It is our hope that as the society reduces the volume of its printed materials, it will open up additional funds that can be turned around and used to further benefit the members of the MHS, along with furthering the goals of the society with things such as by bringing in additional high-quality speakers and funding herpetofaunal research.

Volume 32

Prepared by Nancy Haig

Beginning Balance

$13,449.20

Income: Membership

Raffle

Adoption

Rodent Sales Hands-On Donations Holiday Banquet Midwest Symposium

$280.00 $51.00 $110.00 $459.00 $212.65 $165.00 $2,748.50

Total Income $4,026.15 Expense: Newsletter

Program

Rodent Cost

adopt/Vet

Holiday Banquet Midwest Symposium

$230.70 $500.00 $0.00 $60.00 $115.71 $484.32

Total Expense $1,390.73 Cash Increase/Decrease

+$2,635.41

Ending Balance

$16,084.62

Placement of cash holdings

Checking Account Transfer to checking TCF/Paypal

Paypal

Cash on hand

$16,084.62 $2,300.00 $131.09 $451.98 $175.00

Total $19,142.69

December Adoption Report

Posted by Sarah Richard, Edited by Chris Rueber There were four Corn Snakes, one California King, one Dumerals, and one Ball Python. Only one Leopard Gecko, and one Red Eared Slider.

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Minnesota Herpetological Society Membership Application New

Name

Renewal

Address

Membership #

City, State, Zip Phone Email List in MHS Directory? Yes No Contact information only? Yes No

Type

Herp related interests

Check #

Active Memberships: Sustainin ($60/year) Contributing ($40/year) Basic ($20/year) Printed Newsletter ($5/year plus membership) 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.

Rodents! Order online!

Did you know you can order online? By phone?

See below!

MICE

Pinkies Fuzzies Hoppers Weanlings Adults Jumbo Adult

RATS

Small Adults Med Adults Large Adults Jumbo

WEIGHT

2-3 grams 5-7 grams 8-11 grams 12-15 grams 25-30 grams 45+ grams

WEIGHT

50-60 grams 125-150 grams 200-240 grams 250-350 grams

PRICE

$7 / dz $7 / dz $8 / dz $9 / dz $10 / dz $14 / dz

PRICE

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

For pick-up at monthly meetings only. Orders may be placed the following ways 1. At the meeting for the following Month 2. Online at http://mnherpsoc.com/content/rodent-orders 3. Calling the MHS voicemail: 612.326.6516 Orders MUST be placed 10 DAYS IN ADVANCE of the date of meeting in order to guarantee availability.

Advertising Policies MHS Ad Policy: The MHS assumes NO RESPONSIBILITY regarding the health or legality of any animal, or the quality or legality of any product or service advertised in the MHS Newsletter. Any ad may be rejected at the discretion of the Newsletter Editor. Due to space limitations, unpaid and complimentary advertisements are 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 (3) consecutive months, after which time they may be resubmitted.

Submissions: All advertisements should be submitted to the MHS Membership Secretary at the general meeting or mailed to: 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.

Advertising Costs Size

Business Card Sized 1/4 Page 1/2 Page Full Page

Cost

$5/month or $55/year* $10/month or $110/year* $20/month or $220/year* $40/month or $440/year*

* 12th month is free with a one year committment.

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREET SE MINNNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Twin Cities, MN Permit no. 92275

Next Meeting: Friday - February 3rd - 7:00 pm Room 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus

MHS Voice Mail: 612.326.6516 MHS Web Page: www.mnherpsoc.com

This newsletter is printed on recycled paper