The newsletter of the
Minnesota Herpetological Society
August Meeting Notice General Meeting August 5th August Speaker Chip Cochran: Herpetological Conservation International’s Project Rondo Letter from the President page 5 Kid’s Korner pp 16-17
August 2016
Volume 36
Number 8
BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Misi Stine 952.217.1267 President@mnherpsoc.org Vice President Jim Soos 612.382.1920 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 Lois Hall 612.824.1447 MemberAtLarge4@MnHerpSoc.org Rebecca Markowitz 409.740.0235 MemberAtLarge1@MnHerpSoc.org Members at Large Tony Beguhl MemberAtLarge3@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 Fosters@MnHerpSoc.org WebMaster WebMaster@MnHerpSoc.org Cover by Tom Junek; all rights reserved 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 — Chip Cochran—Herpetological Conservation International’s Project Rondo August 5th, 7:00pm; 6:30pm Social Hour Social hour begins at 6:30pm. This is a time for people to catch up before the meeting starts. Chip Cochran is a PhD candidate in Dr. William K. Hayes lab at Loma Linda University where he is studying morphological, dietary, and venom composition differences among populations of southwestern speckled rattlesnakes (Crotalus pyrrhus). He received his BS from The University of Arizona in 2006 where he majored in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. During his time at the University of Arizona he worked in Matt Goode’s lab primarily radio tracking Tiger rattlesnakes (C. tigris) for a project investigating the effects of golf courses on Tucson herpetofauna. His research interests include: reptile venom proteomics and evolution, conservation, and ecology. He is particularly interested in African herpetofauna and members of the genus Crotalus. DO YOU OWN HERPERS 3? Chip Cochran is one of the featured herpers. Bring your copy to the meeting to be signed, not just by Chip but Dav and Jeff LeClere as well
Brandon Frederick—Understanding Your Feeder Insects Submitted by Nancy Haig
Brandon Frederick Is the owner of “Brandon’s Bugs” He is also a graduate in Environmental Science and Biology and a has a master’s degree in Entomology. Besides breeding several species of Boas and roaches he likes to talk about insects. His topic for
caught bugs that have had to forage are usually too variable to produce consistent results, plus they may have added factors of extra chemicals or toxins that may be harmful to the herps that ingest them.
When checking out the nutritional values you our program was “Understanding Your Feeder look at the percentage of Dry Matter (DM) found Insects” in an animal and then break down what it is composed of. Brandon presented We all know the saying “You are charts for each group that showed what you eat” but Brandon’s talk the DM% and values for Protein gave us a new understanding of (CP) ,Fat (EE), Minerals (ASH) Fithose words. He started out with ber ( ADF) and CE (kkcal/g) The why knowing your feeders is imDM was also analyzed by the minportant. Different species have eral content of Calcium (Ca) ), different nutritional values and Phosphorous (P) Magnesium (Mg) even the different life stages of a Niacin (N), Potassium (K), Copper species have different values. Ju(Cu), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Mangaveniles and egg laying females are nese (Mn) and Selenium (Se). usually higher in calories and calMost feeder insects are low in cium than full grown males, something that may be important if you are feed- mineral content which is why he advises guting a herp with metabolic bone disease or other loading (feeding the insects before using them for food) you also need to check the calcium to health issues. phosphorus ratio (Ca: P,), which should be 2:1. Breaking down the insect groups by order, Bran- Regular crickets are about 1:10, after gut-loading don proceeded to explain the nutritional values they are closer to 1:1 but still not ideal so Branof the commonly found commercial feeder indon recommends dusting them with calcium just sects. By using commercially grown bugs, he prior to feeding. could use the tested data for comparisons. Wild August 2016
Volume 36 Number 8
Some of the more commonly available insects were: Springtails (Collembola) 3,600 species: are mainly used for feeding Dart frogs and other small herp. They are also used as a cleaner insect for maintaining vivariums and may absorb some toxins.
Cockroaches (Blattodea) 4,000 species: are his favorite. Recently Blaptica dubia has risen to the top of feeder choices, knocking out Balberus discoidales which were harder to sort out by size and slower to breed. Crickets, Katydids, Grasshoppers (Orthopetra): Acheta domesitca (Domestic house cricket) are susceptible to a cricket virus that has caused several suppliers to go out of business so some are switching over to Gryllodes sigillatus (banded cricket) which is more resistant.
True bugs (Hemiptera) 80,000 species: broad range of body shapes, piercing mouthparts. Only two are commercially available for feeders. Oncopeltus fasciatus (Milkweed bug) and Acyrthosiphon pisum (Pea Aphid) no nutritional values available as yet.
Flies (Diptera) 150,000 species :Because they have a complete metamorphosis and fast growth there are two useful life stages for flies. The larval stages are higher in fat and protein than the adults. Drosophila melenagaster (fruit flies), Hermetia illuscens (Black soldier flies) the only feeder high in calcium, (3:1) and protein, Calliphora vomitoria (Bluebottle fly) are not always accepted as food. Butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) 180,000 species : extremely rapid growth but many sequester toxins. Galleria mellonella (wax worms) larvae are almost half fat, Bombyx mori (silk worms) high in protein but very high in Phosphorus so they need to be dusted with Calcium. Manduca sexta (Hornworm) high moisture content and 1:3 Ca:P ratio- very good for herps needing more moisture but not good for drier species like uromastics. Beetles (Coleoptera) 350,000 known species, 30% of all animal species are beetles. Includes Tenebrios molitor (Mealworms) Zophobas morio (Superworms) high level of fat and protein, most are fed as larvae.
August 2016
Volume 36 Number 8
Letter from the President August 2016 There have been a few reports lately about non-native reptiles on the loose in Minnesota: a boa in Bloomington at the Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge crossing a path, that has yet to be caught, and a 3 ft. alligator caught roaming a bike path up near Brainerd in early July. These critters are either escaped pets or were released by owners who no longer wanted them. Our education efforts, although modified by our insurance issues currently in regards to doing hands on, are critically important. Informing people about captive care and keeping of reptiles and amphibians so we don’t end up with animals escaping or being released is as much a part of our education mission as getting people excited to learn about them, and see them in the wild. These animals are a long term commitment; like any other pet you would own. They have certain basic requirements: food, water, shelter, and other special considerations like lighting, heat, humidity and in some cases UV. They also have extra security needs to keep them in their enclosures and accounted for. Many of these animals are long lived, some live for decades longer than a cat or dog, and owners need to know this so they can plan for those extended life expectancies. When incidents like the examples mentioned above occur it does not lend to a positive perception about our hobby and can lead to changes in laws and ordinances that negatively affect our members and the animals we keep. We need to ensure that we are the positive force behind the hobby, the educators, and the advocates for these animals. Please remember that this is also an important part our education program and our mission, and we need to move this agenda forward with the public we interact with. Think about how you are talking about these important points when interacting with the public? What types of suggestions do you have for them on securing their enclosures? What about how to handle an escaped pet? Or if a bad situation arises and they need to rehome? Connecting to your resources, knowing what is available through MHS, whether it is the adoption program, or other members who have more experience dealing with issues that you can talk to, books and on-line resources are great places to look as well. If you are new and need help feel free to reach out to myself or another board member to point you in the right direction. Thank you for your commitment and passion for MHS and herps--today and as we move towards the future! Misi Stine President August 2016
Volume 36 Number 8
MHS Photo Contest If you missed out on the Photo Contest held at the April meeting, fret no more!! MHS will be “testing the waters” to see if hosting the photo contest later in the year may encourage greater participation. All of those amazing photos you are taking this summer could win you a blue (or red or white) ribbon!!!! We are also introducing a NEW CATEGORY … SELFIES!!! Thank you Angie Cairl for suggesting it! Take your photos to the November meeting and join the fun! The People’s Choice photograph (or a photo of it if it is a Mixed Media entry) will be the cover photo on a MHS newsletter!! Photo Contest Rules: You must be a member of the MHS and be the one that took the photograph. However, you do not need to own the amphibian or reptile in the photo. All items need to show herps or be herp related. Color and / or black and white photographs are acceptable. Artwork is defined as sculptures, drawings, paintings, etc. Photos should be no smaller than 5 x 7 and no larger than 11x 14 (outside dimension). Mounting or matting of photos / art is recommended but not necessary. Members are allowed to submit up to 2 photos / items in each category. On the back of the photo, please include your name and the category you want your picture to compete in. Categories: Herps in the Wild / In a Natural Setting: Photographs of animal(s) taken outside and / or in a natural setting. A natural setting that has been staged is also permitted. Herps and Humans / Non-Wild Setting: Subject(s) should be in a non-wild setting – i.e. photographs taken around your home, on or with something that is manmade. Some examples of this are: Herps in their cages, people holding their pets and photographs of animals taken at a zoo. Kid Submission: Any photo / artwork submission by a member who is 16 years of age or younger. Selfies: A selfie of you and a herp, or a selfie from the herps perspective! Have fun with this new category! Mixed Media: Herp related artwork by a member or photographs taken by a member that have been altered / enhanced using photo editing software in any matter other than cropping. There will also be an award issued for the “People’s Choice”: Members will also vote for one submission from the above categories that they feel is the best overall photograph / piece of artwork. The submission that receives the most votes is the winner of this category.
August 2016
Volume 36 Number 8
August 2016
Volume 36 Number 8
Hello Membership! We are going to be doing a clothing order! Here are the options for this round, please give them a look and decide what you are thinking, please be ready to order at the August meeting which will include pre-paying for your order. The options for payment will be cash, check, credit card (chip reader available) or on paypal. If you are unable to make the meeting and would like to order you may place your order on paypal up until August 13, which is a week after the meeting. We have a women's and men's T-shirt option as well as a hoodie option. I am going to try to do clothing on a more regular basis depending on demand for items if you are unable to order and with our increasing new membership. I'd like to run an artwork contest and order clothing with that on it and our logo as a small icon on T-shirts, hoodies and even sweatpants (but that is a future project to keep in mind). Men's sizes: Youth XSmall -Youth XL; Adult Small-4XL ($15) Women's sizes: Adult XSmall-3XL ($15) Hoodie sizes: Youth small-Youth Large; Adult Small-5XL ($30) Prices are going to be about $15 for the T-shirts and about $30 for the Hoodies. If you have any questions please feel free to talk to me at the meeting or text me. Lavania 651-274-8511
August 2016
Volume 36 Number 8
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 re-introduce 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.
Snake Sheds Wanted Eden Bio-Creations (https://edenbiocreations.com/ ) has asked if MHS members would be willing to give snake sheds of all sizes, and species to them to produce their shed textile products, like cell phone covers. In return MHS would receive a donation for each product sold using our members snake sheds. Here is a video on the program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J59mMc92xZU#t=119 For those of you willing to share your sheds with MHS for this program a box will be made available at the monthly meetings, starting in January, to collect them for this group. Here is what we need when you bring in your sheds: 1. 2. 3. 4.
each shed is placed in it's own Ziploc baggie, and labeled with the species be sure that the shed is does not have any large chunks of feces on it All sizes of sheds are accepted Please feel free to submit even if torn (include all the pieces), as they can be put back together.
If you have any questions about this please direct them to Lois Hall at MemberAtLarge4@MnHerpSoc.org
A boy and his tortoise—then and now August 2016
Volume 36 Number 8
Huzzah! ‘Tis Nearly here! The 2016 Minnesota Renaissance Festival will be held weekends August 20th through October 2nd, including September 5th-Labor Day and September 30th-Festival Friday. Volunteering at the Renaissance Festival allows us the unique opportunity to reach thousands of people that would otherwise never come in contact with MHS. It also gives you the opportunity to show off your favorite animals while dressed up in funny costumes. Volunteers at the festival also enjoy second to none people watching opportunities. In order to volunteer at the Renaissance Festival you must work two two hour hands on shifts, for a total of 4 hours. As a perk, the rest of the day at the Festival is yours to spend as you wish. Enjoy the food, the comedy acts, the music and the shopping when you are not working at the cottage. Additionally, volunteers get breakfast in the mornings and can take part in a volunteer potluck dinner on Sat evenings. MHS’ work at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival is also one of its largest fundraisers every year, providing the Society with funds to further their other programs. If you are interested in volunteering for the 2016 season, please email Cottage@mnherpsoc.org for additional information and to let us know which days you would like to attend. We would prefer that you contact us no later than the Tuesday before the weekend that you intend to come out, particularly if it is your first visit. Additional information can be found on the RenFest forums (members only). Please be sure to visit the forums for the most recent updates on hands on policy and the MHS insurance requirements. Also….Minnesota Renaissance Festival has extended their current least through 2019!! We have a few more years to enjoy our current beautiful site!
August 2016
Volume 36 Number 8
Upcoming Hands-on Event Schedule Chuck & Don’s—Mahtomedi, MN Saturday August 6th 10am-2pm Sherburne Nature Center—Saturday August 13th 10am-2pm. Chuck & Don’s—Rosemount, MN Saturday August 20th 12noon-3pm 3M Teachers Workshop—3M St Paul Campus Friday September 30th 3-6:30pm 3M Super Science Saturday—3M St Paul Campus Saturday October 1 9am-1pm
Here’s the deal- Bring your herp(s) to one of the shows listed above, and talk about them. That’s it! You don’t have to be an expert, you’re not giving speeches. Most of the time you will find that people are more than open to hearing about our misrepresented critters.
Contact Jan at Jan.SkunkHollow@Juno.com for details or if interested in signing up. Or sign up on the website.
Herp First Aid Emergency kits, whether they be for earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, floods or fires, share a lot of commonalities. The basics, of course, such as food and water, are mandatory. A close third is an adequately supplied first aid kit. (yes this is a repeat but important) http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Reptiles-Magazine/The-Vet-Report-Herp-First-Aid-Kit-Checklist/
New Rainforest Frog in Ecuador Prometheus, the mythological Greek heroic deity, has been given a namesake in a new species of tiny rain frog, discovered in southwestern Ecuador. https://www.sciencedaily.com/ releases/2016/07/160721143446.htm
Granite Spiny Lizard Diet May Factor in More Potent Southern Pacific Rattlesnake Venom A researcher at Loma Linda University believes that the venom of the Southern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus helleri) is more potent because of the abundance of the Granite spiny lizard (Sceloporus orcutti) http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Granite-Lizard-Diet-May-Factor -in-More-Potent-Southern-Pacific-Rattlesnake-Venom-trending/ .
Fun Stuff This impression is spot-on https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=24zAybnk8cY Save the turtles! http://cheezburger.com/80480001/video-thelonely-island-dudes-need-your-help-to-save-the-turtles
August 2016
Volume 36 Number 8
MHS Reports and Announcements June 2016 Treasurer’s Report July Adoption Report
Submitted by Rae Rueber
Submitted by Beth Girard
Twenty-two animals passed through the adoption program this month. This included a three-foot alligator, two large snapping turtles, two painted turtles and eight red-eared sliders! It was definitely a month for the aquatic animals! Our totals for the month INCOMING were … 1 animal had been surrendered late at the June meeting 4 animals were surrendered between the June and July meetings; 11 animals were surrendered at Intake 3 animals were surrendered at the July meeting 3 animals were returning fosters Our totals for the month OUTGOING were … 4 animals were outsourced early (all red-eared sliders that had been surrendered at Intake) 12 animals were adopted 2 additional animals were outsourced (for a total of 6 RESs outsourced) 4 animals were placed in foster care (veiled chameleon, common boa, large snapping
Beginning Balance
$25,685.96
Income Raffle Donations-Public Donations-Hands On Membership Rodent Sales Interest on Savings Total Income
$121.00 $142.80 $102.00 $220.00 $748.00 $0.14 $1,333.94
Expense Program Paypal Fees Website Bank Fees Total Expense Cash Increase/Decrease Ending Balance
$275.88 $3.50 $14.95 $20.00 $314.33 $1,019.61 $26,705.57
Placement of Cash Holdings Checking Savings Paypal Cash on Hand Total
$8,401.31 $17,488.52 $625.74 $190.00 $26,705.57
Board Meeting
Turtle making use of the turtle tunnel August 2016
The board meeting will be held 6pm August 6th at the St Louis Park Byerly’s Community Room. Everyone is welcome to attend the board meeting. We encourage you to come check it out. Volume 36 Number 8
MHS Reports and Announcements IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ANYONE FOSTERING AN MHS ANIMAL Due to the requirements of the new MHS insurance policy, more complete records need to be maintained concerning the animals “owned” by MHS. This refers to those taken in at Intake and not outsourced or adopted. To this end, we are updating our paperwork and have created a new FOSTER AGREEMENT. If you are currently fostering an animal and have not turned in the new form, please complete the one in the newsletter and email it to adoptions@mnherpsoc.org or return it at the August meeting. If you are currently fostering animals for MHS, please send a list of the animals you are currently fostering and the date you began doing so. The list can be sent to adoptions@mnherpsoc.org Any animals not reported by the AUGUST MEETING (August 5th) will be marked as “adopted” by you. You may still surrender those animals to the adoption program at a later date. Only animals that have been reported to us by August 6th as “fostered” will be covered under the MHS insurance policy. Animals fostered at the July meeting are already listed. The two-page FOSTER AGREEMENT includes the following restrictions. When an animal is taken home to be fostered, its travel enclosure and the paperwork (label and attached 3”x5” card) should be kept intact so they can be returned with the animal. This helps the Adoption Committee maintain accuracy with its paperwork. The animal should be housed in a quarantined area to protect you, your family, your personal collection and the fostered animal. These animals should not be used for educational purposes as their health status and temperament are questionable. If a situation should arise and the animal you are fostering needs medical care, please contact the Adoption Chair. MHS is reimburses for medical care on a very limited case-by-case basis. Please send an email to adoptions@mnherpsoc.org 3-5 days before each meeting to let us know your intentions. Do you intend to bring the animal back to the meeting? Have you, or someone else, adopted it? Do you intend to keep fostering it, but are unable to attend the meeting? If we do not hear from you within 60 days (two meetings), the animal will be considered to be adopted. When returning a foster animal to a meeting, please make every attempt to do so before 6:40pm. We would like all members to have the opportunity to view the animals prior to the start of the meeting. The form also has a place for you to note if you may be available to transport and/or house animals and/or husbandry items that are surrendered between meetings. When a need arises, an email will be sent to all fosters residing in the area where assistance is needed. You are under no obligation to respond. Thank you for your willingness to be part of the MHS Adoption Program. If it were not for our amazing fosters (LIKE YOU!) we would not be able to help over three hundred animals find forever homes each year!!!
August 2016
Volume 36 Number 8
MHS Reports and Announcements
MHS Foster Agreement Thank you for volunteering to foster animals for the Minneapolis Herpetological Society. While fostering an animal you will be expected to provide a temporary home for the animal until the next MHS general meeting. During that time, you agree to: Provide proper housing, food, lighting and temperature requirements for the species, and if needed, provide health care for those with special needs. House the animal in a quarantined area to protect both your personal collection and the fostered animal. Inform the Adoption Chair adoptions@mnherpsoc.org if you have any questions or concerns in regards to the health of the animal. If you decide to adopt an animal, or have found an alternative home for it, please let us know as soon as possible. Please contact the Adoption Chair 3-5 days prior to each general meeting as to the status of the animal/s you are fostering. (Health, status, and whether you will or will not be returning it at the general meeting.) ___________________________________ Name & Date (Please print)
___________________________________ Signature
Contact information: Name: ________________________ Member #: _________ Exp. Date: ____________ Address: ________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Phone: __________________________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________________ If I am not at the meeting, you may contact me about housing the following species: ________________________________________________________________________ __________ Initial here if we may call you midmonth for help transporting an animal. __________ Initial here if we may contact you about transporting intake items.
When an animal is taken home to be fostered, its travel enclosure and the paperwork (label and attached 3�x5� card) should be kept intact so they can be returned with the animal. This helps the Adoption Committee maintain accuracy with its paperwork. The animal should be housed in a quarantined area to protect you, your family, your personal collection and the fostered animal. These animals should not be used for educational purposes as their health status and temperament are questionable. If a situation should arise and the animal you are fostering needs medical care, please contact the Adoption Chair. MHS reimburses for medical care on a very limited case-by-case basis. Please send an email to adoptions@mnherpsoc.org 3-5 days before each meeting to let us know your intentions. Do you intend to bring the animal back to the meeting? Have you, or someone else, adopted it? Do you intend to keep fostering it, but are unable to attend the meeting? If we do not hear from you in 60 days (two meetings), the animal will be considered to be adopted by you. When returning a foster animal to a meeting, please make every attempt to do so before 6:40pm. We would like all members to have the opportunity to view the animals prior to the start of the meeting. Thank you again for agreeing to foster animals for the Minnesota Herpetological Society! We could not continue the adoption program without members willing and able to care for those waiting to be adopted. Beth Girard MHS Adoption Chair Email: adoptions@mnherpsoc.org Cell# 612/616-8431 August 2016
Volume 36 Number 8
MHS Reports and Announcements Minutes of the June 6, 2016 MHS Board of Directors Meeting
Byerlys Community Room , St Louis Park
Attending: Misi Stine, Jim Soos, Nancy Haig, Lavania Beguhl, Rae Rueber, Ellen Heck, Lois Hall, Chris Smith, Casey Sievert, Rebecca Markowitz Lois Hall. Meeting was called to order at 6:10pm Opening remarks by President June General Meeting Attendance_93 Order of Business changed by president Insurance: Our current Insurance carrier was sold to a new agency. The new agency cannot find our policy information and our insurance is up for renewal in June, A copy of the old 2008 policy was given to Misi at the Board meeting. Misi will contact the new agency (Bremer) and find out what our options are. Board decision: to renew our current policy if possible and to look at alternative options for the future. New Business: Changes on the Board: Due to the changing nature of the website and membership database relationships, Chris Smith will take over the position of Membership Secretary and Lavania Beguhl will take over his current member at large position. Casey Sievert has resigned from her member at large position. The Board discussed several persons for alternatives. It is normal to asked persons who ran on the previous election ballot but did not win if they would like to volunteer for an open position. Old Buisness: Misi handed out a packet from BoardSource detailing the legal responsibilities, basic responsibilities and what is good governance for nonprofit boards. Discussion followed on board duties and fiduciary definitions and duties. Included were the questions: Is this money we need to spend? and Is this money the membership would want us to spend?. Voting on forum: The Board discussed options available for voting on the forum and sending emails. The standing motions on the forums were reviewed and passed by the board. A copy of MN Statute 317A.239 Action without a Meeting was handed out. The following policy was agreed upon: `When voting on the forum: after a motion is seconded there will be a two week period for board members to vote. When a quorum vote is reached (6 votes) the majority vote will carry the decision Working with the Attorney: Discussion on questions to ask the attorney. Main areas of concern were: where does the MHS responsibility for animals end regarding the adoption program intakes, adopting to members, to the public and outsourcing. Main concern was over the outsourcing to out- of-state options. Misi will continue the discussion online. Volunteer awards: Ellen will order the 100 magnets for $175.00. This includes printing the MHS logo on the magnets. Post box: Ellen will check out the options for larger boxes in the Roseville area. Sand Dune State Forest: Chris will try to keep us posted on the DNR advisory committee meeting dates when possible. Membership Dues: Discussion for increasing membership dues by $10.00 or only increasing the Individual to $25 and Family to $30.00. The rising costs would need to be justified to the membership and presented to them for a vote of approval. Document Retention on-line: Rae has looked into google.doc as the best fit. There is a cost per person per month for access, this could be limited to read only and read/access accounts. The system would work outside our Website for archived information. Other motions or actions from the forum: Motions_ 5/22-Attorney consultation I move that 3 hours of attorney consultation with Glen McCluskey is funded. Seconded 5/22 5/22-6/1 ( yes 5 no 1) motion passed confirmed by the 6-2-2016 Board 5/23 Budget revision I move we increase attorney fee budget to $600 for this calendar year. Seconded 5/23 5/23-6/1 (yes 5 no 1) motion passed confirmed by the 6-2-2016 Board Approved date: __7-9-2016_________________
August 2016
Volume 36 Number 8
Kid’s Korner
August 2016
Volume 36 Number 8
Kid’s Korner
August 2016
Volume 36 Number 8
QUARANTINE PROCEDURES One of the snakes from this month’s adoption was found to have mites. Although we do keep contact to a minimum between animals and enclosures, we want to remind everyone to follow proper quarantine procedures!!! DO NOT put new animals in the same space, or share enclosures or cage furnishings, with your collection! MHS has included a page of Quarantine Suggestions for several months now. Unfortunately it was written 20 years ago for zoos and other groups with large collections and the equipment and knowledge necessary for evaluating fecal exams. The one I like can be found at http://www.herpcenter.com/reptilearticles/quarantining-reptiles/ QUARANTINING REPTILES Quarantining your new acquisitions is done so that you can monitor the animals behavior, appetite, stool, and activity. It is also done to protect the animals you currently own. This is a step that can actually save your entire colony of animals, save you money, and save you time. Quarantining new animals should become an instinctive behavior by both new and experienced enthusiasts, though it is often overlooked at one time or another by all. It is a crucial step in the prevention of colony infection. Diseases like Cryptosporidium can destroy an entire collection if introduced to your reptiles. WHAT IS QUARANTINING Quarantining is the process in which you isolate the reptile you are bringing home. This is the time period in which you monitor the animal and note or treat the animal for any illness or injury that it has. Quarantining ensures that you will not spread any contagious illness or parasites to your current collection. REPTILE QUARANTINE BASICS Keep the set-up simple Keep the set-up clean Keep the setup isolated Monitor the reptile Save it for last TIME FRAME Your new reptile should be quarantined for a minimum of 30 days. Ideally, 60-90 days would be better. Once a reptile has finished the quarantine period and is deemed fit, they can be introduced into their permanent enclosure in the proximity of other reptiles. QUARANTINE SET-UP A setup designed as a quarantine tank should be very simple in design and extremely easy to clean. The goal is to use the quarantine tank as an observational area. For reptiles, the quarantine tank should consist of the bare essentials. The enclosure itself should be made of solid plastic or glass. Old fish tanks are great quarantine tanks. Avoid wooden enclosures as quarantine tanks as they are difficult to clean. QUARANTINE TANK The best substrate to use for a quarantine tank is either no substrate, or paper towel. This makes cleaning a breeze, allows complete visibility to monitor the reptiles feces, and is a complete risk free substrate from impaction. The rest of the enclosure should be limited to a hide, a water bowl, and feeder dish (If required.) A calcium dish should be part of a leopard geckos quarantine tank. Climbing branches and other decor should not be in the quarantine tank. Continued next page August 2016
Volume 36 Number 8
The tank above is an example quarantine setup for a leopard gecko. The tank is a 32 quart Sterilite tub heated with a human heat pad. It contains a hide directly over the heat source, a moist hide/cool hide, a calcium dish, a mealworm dish, a disposable water dish, and paper towel as a substrate. The example shows how simple the enclosure can be for the quarantine period. This setup is easy to clean and maintain. Holes have been drilled into the sides of the Sterilite for air circulation, and the cover also has holes drilled into it. CLEANLINESS Your quarantine tank should be cleaned daily. Remove any feces (after looking it over) from the enclosure, change the water, remove any dead insects, and make sure the tank itself is clean. You want to be able to monitor the animal as closely as possible. The cleaner the tank is, the easier it will be to monitor the reptile. ISOLATION It is best to isolate the reptile from the rest of your collection. This is best done by placing the quarantine tank in a separate room from where you house your other reptiles. It doesn't stop there however. You should also be isolating what items come into contact with the quarantine tank. You should never use the same cleaning materials between a quarantine tank and those that house the rest of your collection. The same is true for water and feeding dishes. This could result in indirect contact with a parasite or illness. MONITORING Make sure you spend some time watching the reptile in quarantine. Watch how he hunts/eats, make sure he isn't lethargic, and ensure that he is alert when you disturb him. Reptiles in general are experts at hiding illness. This is how they survive in the wild. Make it a point to ensure that the animal is behaving normally and that its stool appears "normal". THE LAST STOP When cleaning your enclosures, save the quarantine tank for last. This will help reduce the chance of indirect contact. Also save the quarantined animal for last when you are working with your collection. You want to limit any possible exposure between the new reptile and your current collection. By making the quarantined reptile the last stop, you are placing distance between any accidental exposure. PERSONAL HYGIENE It is always a good practice to use an antibacterial soap to wash your hands after every handling session you have with a reptile or its enclosure. It is especially important to maintain proper hygiene protocol when dealing with an animal in quarantine. The accidental spreading of a disease or parasite could come from direct or indirect contact with another animal, or its supplies in your collection. Avoid this by washing your hands every time you leave the quarantine area. It is crucial that you maintain strict protocol when quarantining. A single parasite that has been introduce to your collection could cost you extreme amounts of money in vet bills, delayed breeding programs, and could even result in the death of one or more animals in your collection. Quarantining is very simple to do and can save you a great deal of headaches. Be vigilant and quarantine all new reptiles!
If you do find mites, take the proper steps to avoid having it move to other animals. Many of us use Provent-a-mite if we believe an animal may be infested. It can be purchased many places, such as at LLL Reptiles on-line. They have a video which describes the process at http:// www.lllreptile.com/products/391-provent-a-mite Proper quarantine procedures should ALWAYS be used when introducing a new animal into your collection! This includes enclosures, furnishings, substrate, cleaning materials, feeding tools, and YOU!
August 2016
Volume 36 Number 8
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).
August 2016
Volume 36 Number 8
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 August 2016
Volume 36 Number 8
Minnesota Herpetological Society Membership Application New
Name
Renewal
Address
Membership #
City, State, Zip
Type
Phone
List in MHS Directory? Yes No Contact information only? Yes No
Check # 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 Pinkies Fuzzies Hoppers Adult
Weight 2-3 grams 5-7 grams 8-11 grams 25-30 grams
Price $7/dz $7/dz $8/dz $10/dz
Rats Small Adult Med. Adults Large Adult Jumbo
Weight 50-60 grams 125-150 grams 200-240 grams 250-350 grams
Price $18/dz $22/ 10 rats $17/ 6 rats $16/ 5 rats
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 may be resubmitted. Submissions: All advertisements should be submitted to the MHS Membership Secretary at the general 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 July 8th - 7:00 pm Room 335 Borlaug Hall U of M St. Paul Campus
Friday July 8th—General Meeting Friday August 5th—General Meeting Saturday August 20th Renaissance Starts Thursday August 25th State Fair Starts
MHS Voice Mail:
MHS Web Page:
612.326.6516
www.MnHerpSoc.org
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