Vol. 35 (2015), No. 5

The newsletter of the

Minnesota Herpetological Society

May Meeting Notice General Meeting will be May 1st, 2015 May Speaker Jeff Lang—Crocodilian Superdads: Gharial on the Chambal, North India Remembering Philip Cochran Page 8

May 2015

Volume 35

Number 5

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Misi Stine 952.217.1267 President@mnherpsoc.org Vice President Mike Rohweder 651.491.9089 VicePresident@MnHerpSoc.org

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

Recording Secretary Nancy Haig 763.434.8684 RecSecretary@MnHerpSoc.org

Or you can still leave us a Voice Mail: 612.326.6516

Membership Secretary Lavania Beguhl 651.274.8511 MemSecretary@MnHerpSoc.org Treasurer Rae Jacobs Ruber 612.366.9337 Treasurer@MnHerpSoc.org Newsletter Editor Ellen Heck 612.750.1649 NewsletterEditor@MnHerpSoc.org Members at Large Rose Maunu MemberAtLarge3@MnHerpSoc.org Lois Hall 612.824.1447 MemberAtLarge4@MnHerpSoc.org Emily Roberts 715.808.4681 MemberAtLarge1@MnHerpSoc.org

Stay informed! Join us on our forums!

The purpose of the Minnesota Herpetological Society is to: • Further the education of the membership and the general public in care and captive propagation of reptiles and amphibians; • Educate the members and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles and amphibians; • Promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.

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

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.

Submissions to the Newsletter

Chris Smith 612.275.9737 MemberAtLarge2@MnHerpSoc.org

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.

COMMITTEES

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

Adoption Beth Girard 612.326.6516 Adoptions@MnHerpSoc.org Education Jan Larson 507.263.4391 Jan.SkunkHollow@Juno.com Fostering Rebecca Markwitz 612.326.6516 Foster@MnHerpSoc.org WebMaster Kimber Anderson 612.327.2667 WebMaster@MnHerpSoc.org Cartoons by Fran Frisch

The Minnesota Herpetological Society Attn: Newsletter Editor C/O Bell Museum of Natural History 10 Church St SE Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104 NewsletterEditor@MnHerpSoc.org

SNAKE BITE EMERGENCY HENNEPIN REGIONAL POISON CENTER 800-222-1222

© Copyright 2015, 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.

General Meeting — Jeffrey W. Lang May 1st, 7:00pm; 6:30pm Social Hour Social hour begins at 6:30pm. This is a time for people to minge and catch up before the meeting starts.

The speaker for May will be Jeff Lang, talking about crocodilian “super-dads”. While working back in November they caught and radiotagged a 5.3m big ghara male as part of the telemetry project. A brief biography is below; click on the link to view the entire document.

Jeffrey W. Lang, Senior Scientific Advisor/PI, Gharial Ecology Project, 2008-2014 (jeff.w.lang@gmail.com; +1 651 646 0203; 1385 Brompton St., Saint Paul, MN 55108-1622 USA in India +91 8006808225, +91-9675853833, USA cell +1 651 269 5604) a. Education: University of Michigan B.S. in Zoology 1967 University of Minnesota-Lake Itasca summer courses 1964-68 University of North Dakota M.S. in Biology 1971 University of Minnesota Ph.D. in Ecology 1977 Sydney University, Australia Queen's Postdoc Fellow 1977-79 b. Appointments: U. North Dakota, 1980-2014 (Emeritus from 2003), Professor of Biology U. Minnesota, 1985-2014 (Adjunct), Professor, Fish., Wildl. & Conservation Biology

Jeff Lang Bio

Behavioral Ecology of Gharial

Talk Overview

White Snake Sale April’s meeting was the White Snake Sale, and per tradition, there was a brief snow that day. Many thanks to everyone who ignored such minor inconveniences and came to both donate and to bid. We had more than double the number of items donated over last year and raised over $1800. Despite logistical issues on the night (we didn’t get the second room until right at 6 pm) our intrepid volunteers overcame. Kudos to John Moriarty for again conducting the live auction and to the other volunteers for stepping up.

May 2015

Volume 35 Number 5

March 7, 2015, MHS Board of Directors Meeting Student Center, St Paul Campus Attending: Misi Stine, Mike Rohweder, Nancy Haig, Ellen Heck, Emily Roberts, Lois Hall, Chris Smith, Rae Rueber, Lavania Beguhl, Rose Maunu 6 must be present for a quorum. Quorum was present.

Visitors attending: Jeff LeClere, Rebecca Markowitz, and Mark Schmidtke Meeting was called to order at 6:05pm Opening remarks by President

March General Meeting Attendance: 109

Committee Reports: Recording Secretary: January and February minutes were read. Discussion to revise minutes tabled until later in the meeting. Discussion concerning the Motion to approve spending $50.00 for a year’s membership to the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. Motion made on forum, 2nd but only three votes are listed. No quorum was reached.

Motion restated at March Board meeting, passed.

Decision: Any new motions made on the forum should not be made in threads. New area for Motions will be placed in the Board area Calendar: Grant proposals to be reviewed in April, WSS in April, Treasurer: Discussion on MN Attorney General’s Annual Report, Rae will post treasurer’s report on-line.

Membership Secretary: Report was reviewed Adoption/Foster: March 16 new and 9 returning fosters, 10 were adopted.

Old Business: Adoption of the norms: Misi presented the MHS Group Norms and Expectations Policy.

Motion: To approve the MHS Group Norms and Expectations Policy with changes. Passed Website Updates: We need to update Browsers – newsletters cannot always be opened. We need better documentation on how to work the website, add items to files, update calendars.

Turtle Road Migration Project: Chris and Rae are looking into what fundraising would require. Fencing and cameras estimated costs are around $15,000.00. Permitting issues within the organizations have pushed the timeframe back involved. Money should be raised by June/July for October projects. The method of transferring funds from the MHS & DNR for matching funds is still being determined. Action: Chris will list suggestions on the board forum; Board will review for future items.

Strategic Planning: Review of project; Meet on Saturday from 1-5 for a retreat with a facilitator.

Motion: To proceed forward with a Strategic Planning Session on May 2, 2015 Passed.

Motion: To accept Tom Laforce proposal to provide services for $1,100.00. Passed Motion: To approve up to $1,000.00 for Rae (treasurer) to do independent consulting prior to Strategic Planning. Passed Conflict of Interest Policy: Tabled until next month.

New Business: Adoption: Discussion concerning the way things need to be setup, what rules are important and educating the membership on the procedures of the adoption area. Rules will be reviewed at the beginning of the meeting and postedin the adoption area. . Posting for cleaner snake bags to be printed in the newsletter. Back two rows will be blocked off for adoption setup prior to the meeting start. Notice in the newsletter that Rebecca Markowitz will be the Chairperson of the Foster Committee.

RadZoo family outing: Discussion about providing the food for an agreed upon event.

Motion: To approve the expenditure of up to $200.00 for the refreshments of the RadZoo event. Passed Meeting Adjourned 10:20pm May 2015

Volume 35 Number 5

Kids Submissions 1st Place - Vanessa Weigel The annual MHS Photo Contest always proves to be a fun distraction during the White Snake Sale evening!

2nd Place - Vicki Sawyer This year thirteen members shared their photographs 3rd Place - Vanessa Weigel and artwork.

We had a tie for the People’s Choice Award this year Mixed Media between Vanessa Weigel’s frog photo and Beau Lar1st Place - Beau Larson son’s python close-up. Congratulations! Their artnd work will grace some MHS Newsletter covers this 2 Place - Renee Valois rd year!

3 Place Tie - Beau Larson - Caitlin Larson We would like to thank everyone who entered their Herps and Humans artwork; Ed Roberts who led the “tallying team;” and 1st Place - Beth Girard the 42 people who perused the entries and took the 2nd Place - Beth Girard time to cast a vote. Next year we would love to see rd 3 Place - Caitlin Larson more participants and more voters! Keep the contest in mind over the next few months and start creating Herps in the Wild your photographs and artwork for the 2016 Annual 1st Place - Beth Girard MHS Photo Contest!

2nd Place - April Hamich One last note … Angie Cairl approached me with an 3rd Place Tie - April Hamich - Beth Girard idea for a new category for 2016 … SELFIES! What do you think? Sounds like fun to me!!! Please share any feedback or ideas you may have with an MHS board member!!!

MHS Photo Contest

People’s Choice #1

May 2015

Photo by Beau Larson

Volume 35 Number 5

People’s Choice #2

Photo by Vanessa Weigel

Snakebite Victim Carries Snake to Hospital After being bitten by a snake, the boy not only reacts sensibly, but has the presence of mind to capture the snake and take it with him, allowing correct identification of the snake and appropriate treatment. And he let it go afterwards. If only all adults could do as well! http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-snake-bitten-boy-carries-reptile-tohospital-2080502 Hope for the Second Most Endangered Turtle 60 captive-raised Myanmar roofed turtles—a species once thought extinct— have been released into their native habitat in Myanmar, conservationists report. The Myanmar roofed turtle (Batagur trivittata) was believed extinct until 2001, when two researchers found a single shell from a recently killed turtle at a village along the Dokhtawady River.

Subsequently, live individuals were discovered at a wildlife market in China and in the ponds of a pagoda in Mandalay. These turtles formed the nucleus of the captive assurance colony which was established. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/04/150410165158.htm May 2015

Volume 35 Number 5

2015 MHS Annual Field Survey!!

Where: Beaver Creek Valley St. Park When: June 12, 13, 14 2015.

MHS has reserved the group campground at Beaver Creek Valley St. Park for the survey and camping areas in the group campground are available to MHS members on a first come, first served basis on Friday, June 12.

MHS volunteers will not have to pay for the campsite, and work permits will be issued for free for those who do not have a state park sticker for their vehicle. MHS will provide firewood, so please do not bring firewood into the park! Please observe the Survey rules and do not wander off to search on your own. There are sensitive species in this park (not only herps species) and there are areas in this park that park managers have asked us to avoid. Please be respectful and stay with the group.

Some general information about the survey: The MHS Field Survey is performed in cooperation with the MN DNR. We perform the survey to provide the MN DNR and the park an updated list of amphibians and reptiles occurring within the park.

You must be a current member of MHS to attend the survey (exceptions must be pre-approved).

Please follow the rules and guidelines set forth by MHS and the Survey Chair and Coordinators (these are available on the MHS website and as an upcoming insert in the MHS newsletter).

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

MHS provides firewood, park maps, permits, and some food and drinks. Entrance and campsite fees will be furnished by MHS this year.

Please bring your own 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. Please sign in when you arrive, and sign out when you leave so we can track your survey hours.

Sign up before attending the survey. Likewise, notifications of cancellations are also encouraged as we try to organize group searches. We don’t want to leave anyone out, but we also don’t want to wait for people who aren’t going to show. Sign up for the survey at the April, May, or June MHS monthly meetings, by email, or by phone (contact below).

For more information check out the MHS web site: http://www.mnherpsoc.com/content/research-and-fieldtrips.html or from the main page, click Events and Meetings, then click Research/Field Trips.

For information about the park: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/beaver_creek_valley/index.html Please observe the park rules (found here): http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/rules.html If you have questions, please contact me at Reptilia74@aol.com or leave message at 651 488 6388.

Hope to see you there!

May 2015

-- Jeff LeClere, MHS Field Survey Chair Volume 35 Number 5

Remembering one of Minnesota’s Most Dedicated Biologists and Herpetologists.

by Dan Keyler

Philip A. Cochran, PhD., Professor and Chairman, Department of Biology, Saint Mary’s University, Winona, Minnesota.

There are few that have touched the lives of so many, and Dr. Cochran was one of those special, selfless, individuals. Most unfortunately, on Monday, Feb 23, he had an aortic aneurysm, survived surgery, and then suffered a severe stroke. It was hopeful he would recover, but it was not to be. Dr Philip A. Cochran passed away in the comfort of his family’s love, March 4, 2015.

Trained as an ichthyologist, he had a passion for lampreys, which were the topic of his PhD work. Following a stint at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin Phil came back to his roots in Minnesota at Saint Mary’s University in 2000 where he had done his undergraduate work. It was not long before he was headlong involved with Minnesota’s keystone rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus. His interest in the conservation and the natural history of this species in the Upper Mississippi River Valley was of the most genuine and sincere in every aspect. He responded to calls when rattlesnakes were found in yards and school areas, and relocated the snakes to a safe place. Phil worked in concert with academics, his community, Saint Mary’s University, the state Department of Natural Resources and others to improve the conservation of all things natural.

His interest in the science of the timber rattlesnake was reflected by his publishing in books and journals such at his chapter, “Phenology of Timber Rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) in southern Minnesota: Implications and Conservation”, in the Biology of Rattlesnakes, 2008. More recently he published in Herpetological Review, 45 (4) 2014, about the coloration and diel activity of Crotalus horridus. His last scientific platform presentation, “Bringing them back alive: Captive Timber Rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) in Minnesota’s early history”, was made at the Biology of Pit Vipers meeting in Tulsa Oklahoma, 2014. Phil hosted the first timber rattlesnake symposium in Minnesota at Saint Mary’s University, in Winona, September 24, 2005, “Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) Biology and Conservation in the Upper Mississippi River Valley”. These and many more contributions he made, but he never boasted of his achievements.

Significantly, in addition to his academic and scholarly penmanship, Dr. Cochran most of all enriched the lives of his students.

He has undoubtedly motivated hundreds of biology students to further their scientific knowledge, and use it to conserve our natural world and expand horizons in the field. He touched the minds and hearts of more students than he ever realized.

We have lost a champion for the timber rattlesnake, a champion to herpetological education, a champion mentor to future herpetologists and biologists, a champion to conservation of our natural world, and a champion to humanity and his family. The fish and turtles of Ole’ Man River, The Father of Rivers, and the snakes and other creatures of the Blufflands will all remember his spirit. And, when the wind blows in the valley and up over the Blufflands it will carry Phil’s spirit. The people of the Upper Mississippi River Valley whose lives he touched will carry on in his footsteps. The path this humble human being started will be forever ongoing through the lives of all that knew him.

May 2015

Volume 35 Number 5

MHS Reports and Announcements Banquet Committee Needed!

Treasurer's Report for March 2015 prepared by Raelene Rueber

We are looking for 2-3 members who are willing to locate three potential sites for each of our events this year: the annual picnic in June and the holiday banquet in December. This work will take approximately 10-12 hours over the next two months. Committee members will work with past chairs persons and the board to establish a list of questions to ask venues and outline what our needs are for a venue. The committee will find up to three venues that meet our needs and presented the documented information to the board for the March meeting. Committee members who wish to continue on and help to plan the events will be welcome to do so, but it is not a requirement. Please contact Misi Stine at president@mnherpsoc.org if you are interested.

Looking for Herp Assistance Volunteers!

Are you an experienced keeper of a particular type of herp? Are you willing and able to provide answers to others? We are looking to reintroduce the herp assistance program and need people willing to offer advice for all types of reptiles and amphibians. We are also looking for people who specialize in breeding (herps, that is) cage building, etc. Volunteers will be listed in the newsletter and on the website with a phone number and/or email address that people seeking advice can call you on. Please contact Ellen NewsletterEditor@mnherpsoc.org if you are interested in helping.

May 2015

Beginning Balance

$28,107.72

Income Raffle Donations Membership Rodent Sales Misc Other Interest on Savings Total Income

$69.50 $644.73 $220.00 $848.00 $40.00 $0.46 $1,822.69

Expense Adoption Program MCNP Membership Newsletter printing from past years Rodent Sales

$120.00 $314.11 $50.00 $144.82 $1,113.00

Paypal Wesite Total Expense Cash Increase/(Decrease) Ending Balance

$2.64 $158.83 $1,903.40 ($80.71) $28,027.01

Placement of Cash Holdings Checking Savings Paypal Cash on Hand Total

$9,745.21 $17,485.00 $621.80 $175.00 $28,027.01

Board Meeting The board meeting will be held 6pm May 2nd at an off-site location. Please contact Misi at President@mnherpsoc.org if you are interested in attending.

Volume 35 Number 5

Quarantine Suggestions (Editor’s Note—this was run last month as well, but we consider this to be such an important topic we are running it again) Miller, R.E. 1996. Quarantine protocols and preventive medicine procedures for reptiles, birds and mammals in zoos.

Rev. Sci. Tech 15(1): 183-189 QUARANTINE PERSONNEL Ideally, a keeper should be designated to care only for quarantined animals; otherwise, a keeper should attend quarantined animals only after fulfilling responsibilities for resident species. Equipment used to feed and clean animals in quarantine should be used only with these animals. If this is not possible, then equipment must be cleaned with an appropriate disinfectant (as designated by the veterinarian supervising quarantine) before use with post-quarantine animals. Institutions must take precautions to minimize the risk of exposure of animal handling personnel to zoonotic diseases which may be present in newly-acquired animals. These precautions should include the use of disinfectant footbaths, the wearing of appropriate protective clothing and masks (in some cases), and minimizing physical exposure in some species (e.g. with primates, by the use of chemical rather than physical restraint). A programme of tuberculin testing and surveillance must be established for zoo/aquarium employees, to ensure the health of both the employees and the animal collection.

QUARANTINE PROTOCOL During the quarantine period, certain prophylactic measures should be instituted. Individual faecal samples, or representative samples from large numbers of individuals housed in a limited area (e.g. birds of the same species in an aviary or frogs in a terrarium), should be collected, on at least two occasions, and examined for gastrointestinal parasites.

Treatment should be prescribed by the attending veterinarian. Ideally, release from quarantine should be dependent on obtaining two negative faecal results at a minimum interval of two weeks, either initially or after parasiticide treatment.

In addition, all animals should be evaluated for ectoparasites and should receive appropriate treatment, if necessary.

Vaccinations should be updated as appropriate for each species (1). If the animal arrives without a vaccination history, it should be treated as being immunologically naive and should be given an appropriate series of vaccinations. Whenever possible, blood should be collected and sera stored in a freezer (not frost-free) at either - 70ÅãC or - 20ÅãC. Such sera could provide an important resource for retrospective disease evaluation. The quarantine period also presents an opportunity to identify permanently all unmarked animals, when anaesthetized or restrained (e.g. tattoo, ear notch, ear tag).

Also, whenever animals are restrained or immobilized, a complete physical examination, including dental examination, should be performed. Complete medical records of all animals should be kept, and should be available for consultation during the quarantine period. Necropsy should be performed, under the supervision of a veterinarian, on all animals which die during quarantine; representative tissues should be submitted for histopathological examination.

QUARANTINE PROCEDURES Evaluation of faecal samples for parasites is required for each species. Ideally, at least two negative results should be obtained from samples taken with a minimum 14-day interval, although other protocols are necessary for some parasite infestations. As noted above, all appropriate vaccinations should be performed. Recommendations and suggestions for appropriate quarantine procedures for several animal groups are presented below.

This is extremely important. ALWAYS work with newly acquired animals last.

Rubber gloves are cheap! Discard between use (don’t try to re-use them).

May 2015

Volume 35 Number 5

Online Classifieds In addition to ads in the newsletter, MHS provides online classifieds via the forums. A valid login (provided to current members) is required to both post and read ads. http://www.mnherpsoc.org/forums/members/classifieds May 2015

Volume 35 Number 5

Minnesota Herpetological Society Membership Application New

Name

Renewal

Address

Membership #

City, State, Zip Phone

Type Check #

Email

List in MHS Directory? Yes No Contact information only? Yes No

Herp related interests

Active Memberships: Sustaining ($60/year)

Contributing ($40/year) 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, C/O BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 Please allow 6-8 weeks for processing.

Rodents!

Order your MHS Rodents today!

Ordering by phone? See the new phone number below.

Mice

Weight

Price

Pinkies

2-3 grams

$7/dz

Fuzzies

5-7 grams

$7/dz

Hoppers

8-11 grams

$8/dz

Adult

25-30 grams

$10/dz

Jumbo Adult

45+ grams

$14/dz

Rats

Weight

Price

Small Adult

50-60 grams

$18/dz

Med. Adults

125-150 grams

$22/ 10 rats

Large Adult

200-240 grams

$17/ 6 rats

may be resubmitted.

Jumbo

250-350 grams

$16/ 5 rats

Submissions: All advertisements should be submitted to the MHS Membership Secretary at the general

For pickup at monthly meetings only. Orders may be placed via: 1. At the meeting for the following month 2. Online at www.MnHerpSoc.org

Orders MUST be placed 10 days in advance of the meeting to guarantee availability. We no longer keep an inventory of rodents on hand, so if you attempt to place an order after the deadline, there is no way to fill it.

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

meeting or mailed to: Minnesota Herpetological Society, C/O 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 Cost Business Card Sized $5/month or $55/year* 1/4 Page $10/month or $110/year* 1/2 Page $20/month or $220/year* Full Page $40/month or $440/year*

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

Next Meeting:

Save the dates!

Friday May 1st - 7:00 pm Room 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus

Friday June 5th—General Meeting June 12-14—Annual Field Survey

MHS Voice Mail:

MHS Web Page:

612.326.6516

www.MnHerpSoc.org

https://www.google.com/maps/place/1991+Upper+Buford+Cir+Borlaug+Hall,+St+Paul,+MN+55108/data=!4m2!3m1!

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