Vol. 35 (2015), No. 6

The newsletter of the

Minnesota Herpetological Society

June Meeting Notice General Meeting will be June 5th, 2015 June Speaker Chris Leone—Growing up with Turtles Annual Field Survey Page 5 Mission/Values Review Page 9

June 2015

Volume 35

Number 6

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 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 — Chris Leone June 5th, 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 Chris Leone, owner/operator of Garden State Tortoise LLC, has successfully kept and bred over 50 species/subspecies of turtles and tortoises for more than twenty years. He maintains one of the most diverse collections of these creatures in the USA including the largest collection of Western Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni hermanni) which has enabled him to become coordinator for the North American Regional Studbook regarding them. Chris’ work does not stop with keeping and breeding but further extends into the public community via helping local zoos, organizations and fish and wildlife agencies.

He is also an active contributor/author to Reptiles Magazine, Testudo Edizioni (Italy), ReptileApartment.com, TortoiseForum.org, The Turtle Room (educational resource partner and staff member), The Reptile Report and various social media networks globally. In addition to this, he has also done extensive work regarding geographical variation and DNA research in Testudo species. He is a member of the Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group, The Turtle Survival Alliance, The Association of Zoos & Aquariums and is in close contact with many chelonian organizations world wide. Most recently, Chris was awarded "Chelonian Breeder of the Year" by the Reptile Report for the "Best of 2014" awards. Visit him and his animals, for a closer look into the world of turtles and tortoises through dedication by going to gardenstatetortoise.com and hermannihaven.com.

Jeffery Lang: Behavioral Ecology of Gharial on the Chambal River Submitted by Nancy Haig

Jeff opened his talk with a brief video describing the reason for his current studies on Gharials.

Between December 2007 and March 2008, there was a massive die-off of Gharials on the Chambal River in India. Over 110 animals mainly sub-adults died in a very short period of time. This was considered a Critical Environment Crisis and experts were called in to access the situation. What made it so important was that the die-off occurred in an area that was considered one of the last pristine rivers in India and the home of June 2015

the healthiest and largest population of gharials in the world.

The National Chambal Santuary is a remote area surrounding the Chambal River, there are very few roads and the land is sparsely developed. The river itself is rain fed and the villages near it use it as a source of drinking water as well as for bathing and agriculture. It is very twisted with long ravines and steep banks, which makes it ideal for gharials who like to dig their nests into the sides of the banks.

Continued next page Volume 35 Number 6

There is only one species of Gharial alive today. Historically their range in Asia covered from western Iran to Burma, but now there are only five populations left. Two are found in Napal the other three are found in India. From 1979-96 protection and recovery programs began head-starting and releasing juveniles, support came from many international sources, governments, zoos and organizations. But through 1997 to 2005 there was still a steady decline in adults and nesting activity. In 2006 the gharial was up lifted to “critically endangered” there was an estimated 200 groups of breeding adults left. Then came the die-off of ’07-’08 on the Chambal which launched Jeff’s study.

not moving more than 20k. Late winter (Jan-Feb) large males start displaying to females and courtship and breeding occurs. Females move freely between groups and approach the male when ready to mate. Early summer (MarApril) it is warmer and the water is lower, female build trial nests into the side of the banks, males and females guard nesting areas once the eggs are laid and incubation has started. They are colonial nesters with several females laying their eggs in the same nest. The females open the nest (May -June) sometimes sweeping the babies out to the water as they dig in. They do not carry the young to the water, the babies walk/run to it by themselves. May-June is pre-monsoon season it is very warm and the water is The study was designed for: encompassinga status assesslow. The hatchlings form huge creches 100-1000 babies ment of population/ health; detailing of ecological data that which are guarded by both sexes, the females usually let was currently lacking; the causes and consequences of the the males take over guarding after the first two weeks. die-off; and a conservation/recovery of the species plan.

The males continue to guard the crèche for 4-6 weeks until Jeff began working with Paukaj Kumar, a former boatman the monsoon season begins again. Gharials were found to who was on the river during the die-off, who became a be alloparental meaning they will provide care by adults keen naturalist, photographer and observer. The one adthat are not the parents of the hatchlings. vantage of the die-off was that the Indian government was willing to allow a thorough study of the Behavioral ecology The results of the Chambal study were: The population is and Reproductive ecology of the gharials. healthy, depending on the changes in the river from flooding nest sites vary but the number of nest is increasing For five years Jeff and his team have caught, recorded dafrom 28 in 2010, to 94 in 2014; the basic life /Natural hista, attached radios to and monitored gharials in the Chamtory parameters have being recorded and better underbal River. They have to use nets, since the gharial is a live stood; the ’07-/08 die-off was a specific event that was fish eater and isn’t attracted to baits in traps. They started rapid and local, contrary to belief it was not caused by the with 10 individuals and added 20 more in 2013. The inforadults traveling to eat polluted fish but by the stationary mation they gathered has revealed behavior and land use sub-adults eating toxic fish in a small area. It is suspected different from what was expected. that a recently banned local antibiotic used to treat cattle A team of international vets found the animals in ’08 had was dumped into the river just prior to the die-off; Gharials died from deposits of articular and visceral gout and had make use of a wider range of area along the river than was degenerative renal changes from a possible toxic insult, initially assumed, an open dynamic, healthy river is critical which was possibly compounded by the very low winter to their survival. temperatures. It was assumed they had eaten fish from Recommendations include: maintaining the Chambal River the polluted waters where the Chambal and Yamuna rivers as a “Natural Site”; ecological monitoring of the gharial converge. Jeff’s study has proved this to be incorrect. populations; eliminate or restrict human disturbances; proThe gharials follow a very seasonal pattern in tune with the tect specific habitats for the gharial; reevaluate reintroducmonsoon flow of the river. During the monsoon (July-Aug) tion/translocation efforts; establish routine river health the water is very high, most of the larger adults travel long monitoring. distances (50 -100 km) in a few days. They hang out at the The future is looking better as more people are learning confluence of the two rivers, in large numbers. There are about the behavioral and reproductive ecology of the gharino territorial conflicts during this feeding time. As the water al and what we need to protect them. Jeff and his team not recedes (sept- Oct) they slowly start making their way back only provide the scientific information, they work with the up the river to the basking and nesting areas. Early winter Indian forest department in training guards and educating (Nov-Dec) all age groups are together in the basking areas, the local populations in how to care for this unique species. the younger sub-adults have remained closer to this area June 2015

Volume 35 Number 6

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!

June 2015

-- Jeff LeClere, MHS Field Survey Chair Volume 35 Number 6

Minutes of the April 11, 2015, MHS Board of Directors Meeting

Student Center, St Paul Campus

Attending: Misi Stine, Mike Rohweder, Nancy Haig, Lavania Beguhl, Rae Rueber, Rose Maunu, Lois Hall, Emily Roberts, Chris Smith Visitors attending: Jeff LeClere, Rebecca Markowitz, Bruce Haig Meeting was called to order at 6:21pm Opening remarks by President

April General Meeting Attendance: @90

Misi read a letter of resignation from the adoption chair Sarah Richard. It contained a suggestion for Beth Girard as new adoption chair. Beth Girard provided a letter to the board outlining some of her proposed changes. Discussion about the various changes to the committee followed.

Motion: to appoint Beth Girard to the position of Adoption Chair. Passed.

Motion: to allow spending up to $100.00 for cake and an appreciation award for Sarah. Passed.

Committee Reports: Recording Secretary: Nancy-The minutes for the January 10, 2015 and February 7, 2015 Board Meetings were approved with corrections of typos. The minutes for the March 7, 2015 Board meeting were approved.

Treasurer: Rae-Presented monthly statement for March. Total balance is $28, 027.01. She has contacted an outside advisor that could help with filings for 2015 and with refiling an exempt purpose statement if necessary. She will post a summary of her consult for review in the forum.

Membership Secretary: Lavania –Data base working – the WSS went well. @ 28 items for art sale brought in $608.00; total for WSS is approximately $1811.00.

Adoption/Foster: Rebecca- April meeting had 27 animals;16 new and 11 returning fosters; 7 were adopted. 5 were outsourced and 15 are on foster. Committee will review SOPs. Old Business Strategic Planning: Misi- 25 SWOT’s were sent out, 18 were returned. She will be sending out a final question set and then compile the responses. Strategic Planning Session will be held on May 2, 2015 at Lois Hall’s house, 1-5pm. Board Meeting will follow at 6pm. Misi will announce the board meeting venue change at the April General Meeting New Business: Grants: Chris- Review of Grant proposals, recommendation to fund all proposals.

Motion: to accept the recommendations of the grant committee and disperse the funds as requested. Passed Grants approved for: $1487.00 Marc Schwabenlander & Arno Wunschmann -“An Investigation of Arsenic Levels in MN Garter Snakes” $1000.00 Gary Casper-“Wood Turtle Monitoring in the Ottawa National Forest” $460.00 Antony Bostwick- “ Chytrid Fungus Survey at Chichaqua Bottoms” $1500.00 Carol Hall “ Assessing genetic diversity within and among three populations of Bullsnakes in Minnesota” $1500.00 Jordan Donini “ Reproductive Physiology of Diamondback Terrapins in the Gulf of Mexico.” $5,947.00 total approved for grants.

Questionable animals going up for adoption: The adoption committee should address this in the new SOP as recommendations and include guidelines for euthanasia.

MACC (Minneapolis Animal Care & Control) has invited the MHS to submit an application to be a member on its Advisory Board. It meets once a month on the first Tuesday from 2-4pm. The position would be for 2 years. We need to respond by 4-17-2015. Nancy volunteered to apply- accepted.

Meeting was Adjourned at 8:15pm when Rose and Rae had to leave and a quorum was no longer present.

June 2015

Volume 35 Number 6

Upcoming Hands-on Event Schedule Native Plant Sale—Wednesday June 3rd 3-7pm. Minnetonka City Hall Fridley 49er Days—Friday June 26th 3-7pm and Saturday June 27th 11am-3pm Pet-A-Palooza—Saturday June 27th 10am-5pm. State Fairgrounds

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.

Queensland scientists create 'unfrog-ettable' app Queensland scientists have developed a "ribbiting" app that can identify a frog by its croak and shows what species can be found where. The Frogs of Australia - eGuide features descriptions, location maps, call sounds and photographs for nearly all of Australia's 238 known frog species. https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/28222993/qld-scientists-create-unfrog-ettable-app/ Sea Turtle Gets Hooked Up With a New 3D Printed Jaw After a nasty collision with a boat's propeller, one unfortunate sea turtle lost half its jaw. But thanks to a mix of kindness and cutting-edge technology, the animal has been fitted with a brand new beak—this one made from medical-grade titanium. http://mentalfloss.com/article/64135/sea-turtle-gets-hooked-new-3d-printed-jaw Reptile Myths and Legends Tales of reptiles and amphibians exist in most cultures around the world. Not all are negative!

The Legend of Kauila at Punalu'u The story of the magical daughter Honu-po’o-kea and her gift of fresh water to the people of Punalu’u. http://www.tammyyee.com/tt-kauila.html

Jormungand The offspring of the god Loki and his mistress Angrboda, this fearsome creature is also known as the serpent of Midgard. http://asgardian.shrine.angelfire.com/midgard-serpent.html

Andoartina An ancient guardian of Uluru, also know as Ayer’s Rock, in Australia who according to legend, fought and killed the ancestral dog Mirindi during the dreamtime. The legend may be based on the megalania, a large ancient monitor (goanna) that was probably still extant when the first people arrived in Australia approximately 50,000 years ago. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megalania June 2015

Volume 35 Number 6

Thank You Sarah!

Submitted by Bath Girard

It starts with a phone call, any time, any day. The caller may be in a hurry, emotionally upset, professionally detached or extremely talkative. Each phone call has a story, some bad, some good but that is for a different article. For this article, the calls have one thing in common, they have a problem and they want the Minnesota Herpetological Society to solve it.

For over 18 years the voice at the other end of the call has, more than likely, been Sarah Richard fulfilling her position as the MHS Adoption Chairperson. Sarah answers calls from public agencies such as Animal Control Offices and Humane Societies, schools and nature centers to private individuals that simply want to get rid of an animal. As part of our intake procedure, Sarah’s phone number is available to anyone wanting to contact our adoption program. They are supposed to contact her and arrange to drop off their animals the Thursday night before our General Meeting, but the calls can lead to so much more than that. Since 1982 the MHS has run an adoption program, nicknamed “ Help a Hapless Herp” , to help find homes for unwanted herps from the community. Originally a resource for the local zoos to redirect unwanted herps, the MHS program has expanded to working with various local agencies and shelters as well as the direct public. In the early days, only a few animals were surrendered to the society and they were quickly adopted as herps were still considered rare and not that easy to obtain. From 1982 thru 1989 MHS found homes for 240 animals.

Sarah became a member of the MHS in 1987. She actively volunteers in many ways. She is involved with the educational Hands-On programs, logs many hours at the Renaissance Festival , and has served on the Board of Directors several times. In 1997 she became the Chairperson of the Adoption Committee, and the receiver of phone calls. With the increase of popularity in keeping herps in the home there has also been an increase in the challenge of dealing with an unwanted animal. Rather than having these animals released into the wild where they could become nuisances or most likely die, the MHS has tried to provide an alternative and find homes for the animals within its membership. From 1990 thru 1999 MHS found homes for 457 animals, almost twice as many as in the 80’s.

For almost 2 decades, Sarah has been on the front line, answering calls, making arrangements to pick up animals or have them dropped off at her home. She expanded our contacts with Animal Control agencies, helped to train officers on how to handle the various herps they may encounter, has gone out on rescues with agents to manage herps found in horrible conditions, and assisted in finding housing for animals being held for legal processes. She created an informal vet-intraining open house that allows vet and vet-tech students to actually see and handle animals they would otherwise only read about. She arranged with the University of Minnesota Veterinary School to provide specimens on special occasions, using animals that would have been euthanized, for their wet labs. This is a hard and serious choice, but sometimes in the best interest of the animal (this is managed with the approval of the Board.)

After the phone calls, there is intake night. Sarah spends Thursday with her house opened up to strangers as they drop off the animals they are surrendering. She hosts the vet open house in the evening. Not all animals that make intake night show up at the general meeting on Friday. All animals are examined by a vet and are approved for adoption or held back for special care until next month. The adoption committee decides where to house the animals that are held back. Some animals die while in special care and some have actually been surrendered - Dead On Arrival.

After intake there is the Friday General Meeting. Sarah packs up the animals (averaging about 30 animals a month) and brings suitable display containers to the meeting with extras to accommodate the returning fosters. (This is why fosters are asked to let the chair know in advance when they are returning an animal.) After set-up she announces what animals are available and hopes everyone will apply to adopt the animals. The adoption committee reviews the applications and Sarah announces the results. On a good night everyone and everything goes home happy. Sometimes animals are not adopted and they are outsourced to other alternatives. From 2000 thru 2009 MHS found homes for 1024 animals, more than double the 1990’s totals.

Now, after all these years, Sarah has handed in her resignation as Adoption Chairperson. She will continue to be a strong part of the committee as Intake Coordinator but is letting someone else step up to administer the program. We would like to take this time to show our appreciation for all the time and effort she has put in to the MHS and its Adoption Program.

So for the approximately 189 Iguanas, 505 other lizards, 800 snakes, 225 Red Eared Sliders, 374 other turtles, 41 crocodilians, and 50 various amphibians that were placed ( grand total is over 2,180 animals); the 300+ MHS members that found new animals; and the countless members of the public and local agencies that have benefited from Sarah’s answering the call … “Thank you, Sarah.”

Please stop by the Adoption Area at the June meeting to thank Sarah for her commitment to MHS and the animals that have passed through the MHS Adoption Program. To learn more about the history of the MHS Adoption Program read the article in the September 1997 MHS Newsletter at http://issuu.com/mnherpsoc/docs/1997-9 June 2015

Volume 35 Number 6

In the February Newsletter we announced that the Board of Directors would be developing a strategic plan for the MN Herpetological Society. A strategic plan outlines what an organization wants to achieve to fulfill its vision and mission. It spells out goals the organization seeks to prioritize so work plans can be developed to accomplish those goals. A strategic plan helps an organization analyze and maximize resources so it can be efficient and effective in fulfilling its mission.

On May 2 the Board had a retreat, where we did the following: Identified major components of the Mission and Vision Statement Identified major goals of the organization for the next 3 years and listed tasks to complete in the next 12 months to move those goals forward Identified next steps to adopting the plan We are including a copy of the strategic planning information for your review so that MHS members will have an opportunity in the next few weeks to give us feedback through a survey. The board will be discussing member feedback as we draft the mission/vision statements and the strategic plan.

Please watch your email for the link to the survey and give us your feedback. If you have any questions about this in the meantime please feel free to contact Misi Stine at president@mnherpsoc.org

Mission Statement, Vision Statement and Strategic Plan (5-21-15 DRAFT FOR REVIEW BY MEMBERSHIP)

Mission Statement - Why we exist defines what an organization prioritizes for present activities based on resources and goals The board will use these points to write and updated mission statement:

What are you?

Society/club 501(c)3 Resource Rescue Educators

What do you do?

Primarily we educate and support conservation.

Secondarily we advocate, socialize, and facilitate rescue and adoptions.

Who do you serve?

Herps Members Public

For what purpose?

To increase understanding and appreciation of herps To protect and save the herps from extinction To preserve the hobby To connect with others who share our love for herps

Vision Statement - what we want to be expresses what the organization desires to ultimately achieve in a perfect world Protection of wildlife, especially reptiles and amphibians, through conservation and education.

Strategic Plan - goals and respective work plans In writing this draft of the strategic plan, the MHS board was mindful that the plan must remain fluid. Goals may be completed or change, and new goals may be added to adapt to current and future needs of the organization. The strategic plan should be reviewed at least annually.

Continued next page June 2015

Volume 35 Number 6

Goals and Projects 1. Strengthen content and implementation of education programs to increase effectiveness of volunteer educators a. Increase education program effectiveness and prioritize resource consumption. i. Review current educational demographics to measure program effectiveness and resource consumption.

Create program support tools such as standards, cheat sheets, scripts, posters, etc.

Develop a training program.

Incorporate into general meetings (15 minute education “shorts”) Interpretation and education tips: Anatomy, physiology, evolution, habitats Investigate partnerships and grants that may be available to strengthen and grow the program Organizations (LCCMR state lottery funds) Corporations (Pillsbury, 3M, Toyota...)

Quadruple annual investment in conservation ($40K) a. Create conservation fund committee. i. Create fund and bank account ii. Update bylaws and policies to allow. iii. Do the IRS letter (in progress) b. Start a crowd-funding campaigns, “Turtle Tunnel” example. i. File appropriate paperwork with state. ii. Launch crowd funding campaign with $15K goal. iii. Submit grant application to LCCMR <$50K. iv. Partner with DNY, Anoka Sandplain Partnership and Chisago County on Carlos Avery project v. Promote via social media and mainstream media to highlight success stories.

Make MHS known and available to the public and membership in a positive way. a. Clean-up website and public media. i. Team to work on programs. ii. Make pages more user friendly. b. Create media/marketing committee. i. Coordinate with website ii. Make community contacts. iii. Contents of public materials approved by board. c. Promote Midwest Herp Symposium.

4. Develop an effective board. a. Review the existing structure. b. Review roles and responsibilities to refine written job descriptions and expectations. c. Improve board meetings by implementing new practices and providing training on Robert’s Rules of Order. d. Resources to accomplish: i. Consultants ii. Minnesota Council of Nonprofits June 2015

Volume 35 Number 6

MHS Reports and Announcements Treasurer's Report for April 2015

Banquet Committee Needed!

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.

June 2015

Beginning Balance

$ 28,027.01

Income: Donations

$

1,465.00

White Snake Sale

$

1,827.50

Membership

$

240.00

Rodent

$

601.00

Misc Other Interest on Savings

$ $

49.07 0.36

Total Income

$ 4,182.93

Expense Grants/Conservation

$

460.00

Program

$

389.20

Legal Work

$

450.00

RenFest

$

49.07

Supplies

$

29.68

RefreshSquare Up Fees

$ $

241.58 21.90

Paypal Fees Wesite

$ $

5.28 14.95

Total Expense

$ 1,661.66

Cash Increase/Decrease

$

Ending Balance

$ 30,548.28

2,521.27

Placement of Cash Holdings Checking

$ 12,166.35

Savings

$ 17,485.36

Paypal Cash on Hand

$

721.57

$ 175.00 $ 30,548.28

Total

Board Meeting The board meeting will be held 6pm June 6th in Room 110 in the St Paul student union.

Everyone is welcome to attend the board meeting. We encourage you to come check it out.

Volume 35 Number 6

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).

June 2015

Volume 35 Number 6

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 June 2015

Volume 35 Number 6

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 June 5th - 7:00 pm Room 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus

June 12-14—Annual Field Survey Friday July 10th—General Meeting

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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