Vol. 14 (1994), No. 3

MARCH 1994 VOLUME XIV NUMBER 3 BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREET SOUTH EAST MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

Do you ever have a question about one of your hcrps ~U1d wonder who might be able to provide an answer? Most people who keep pels of ~U1y kind have been is this situation alone time or another. A group of MHS mc.mbcrs has vohmteered to provide assistance. Listed below are the people and Oleir specialties. Please be reasonable about the time of day and how frequently you call.

Large pythons and constrictors Other Snakes Glen (Jake) Jacobsen 757-8268 John Meltzer 263-7880 Vence Jimerson 869-8547 John Levell 374-5422

Lizar'ds Connie Levell 374-5422

Nancy Haig 789-4637 Amphibians Bill Moss 488-1383 John Meltzer 263-7880

Crocodilians Greg Kvanbek 533-7723 Jeff Lang (701) 772-0227 Jeff LeClere 488-6388

Terrestrial turtles and tortoises Aquatic Turtles John Moriarty 647-1334 Michele Stillinger 224-7212 Ann Porwoll 489-7853 Dennis Daly 331-8606

The purpose of the Minnesota Hepetological Society is: to further the education of the membership and the gener'al public in care and captive propagation of retiIes and amphibians; to educate the membershi p and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles and amphibians; and to promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians,

MHS BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY RECORDING SECRETARY TREASURER NEWSLETTER EDITOR MEMBER-AT-LARGE MEMBER-AT-LARGE MEMBER-AT-LARGE MEMBER-AT-LARGE IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Bill Moss John Levell Ruth Meltzer Randy B1asus Marilyn Brooks Michele Stillinger Gary Ash Donna Calander Jeff LeClere Barb Radanke Glen Jacobsen

SNAKEBITE EMERGENCY

HENNEPIN REGIONAL POISON CENTER

MINNESOTA POISON CONTROL SYSTEM

LOCAL

OUT OF STATE

(612) 347-3141

(612) 221-2113

(800) 222-1222

(612) 488-1383 (612) 374-5422 (612) 263-7880 (612) 925-4237 (612) 925-4237 (612) 224-7212 (612) 753-0218 (612) 757-8268 (612) 488-6388 (612) 291-1132 (612) 757-8268

Copyright Minnesota Herpetological Society. The contents of this newsletter may be reproduced for inclusion in the newsletters of other herpetological societies provided that the material is reproduced without change and proper credits arc given to the MRS Newslctter, citing, volume, number, and date.

I

Table of Contents

Upcoming Meeting Highlights by John Levell MHS Business MHS Meeting Review HFYI Snakes of Minnesota by Jeff LeClere Articles of Interest Letters of request Classifieds

From the Editor

2 4 7 8 10 14 18 24

This months speaker will be talking about Blanding's turtles. I found a good illustration (see below) that should be of interest. Special items in this newsletter that should be noted are : MHS Business and the next newsletter due date.

NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: MARCH 30th, 1994

Send all inquiries, ads, and articles directly to the editor: MHS Editor

I I

I

II

234 West George Street

~ St. Paul, MN 55107 or call: 224-7212

Blanding's Turtle Emydotdea blandingit

hinged plastron

dark carapace with yellow spots

MRS NEWSLETIER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 3

smooth carapace

PAGEl

Meet-ing

April Program: Blanding's Turtle Nesting and the Conservation of Minnesota's Turtles

Speaker: Madeleine Linck Where: 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus When: 7: OOpm sharp! Fr; day Apr; 1 1 st, 1994

The p,-og,-am at April"s MHS meeting ~,ill focus on the nesting beha.viour of one of Minnesota's threatened species, the Blanding's Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii). Blanding's 1Lu--tles are fairly large semi-aquatic turtles vJhich have been recor-ded ft-om about 39 counties in t1innesota. During the nesting season, female Blanding's travel long distances in ses,-ch of nest si tes, a fact that has considerabl y hampered efforts to establish suitably sized nature preserves for this species.

Our speaker, t1adeleine LilICk, has been actively involved in researching the habits of Blanding"s Turtles for over 12 years. Among Madeleine"s earliest projects was a study of the species in Massachusetts., a subject on which she wrote her Master's thesis. Since coming to Minnesota, Madeleine has participated in Blanding's Turtle projects in Hennepin, Ramsey, and Wabasha counties. In addition to nesting surveys" her activities have included trapping and radio tracking these tut~tles.. I have also heard from a livery reliable source" 'I.e. John Moriarty) that Madeleine is the best Blanding"s Turtle spotter in the State. Besides being an t1HS member, Madeleine is currently a l.ildlife Technician vJith Hennepin Parks v,Ihere she works wi th bullsnakes, frogs., and tr-umptet- swans, as \-.LleIl as Blanding r s Turtles.

As part of the program, Madeleine is also planning on leading a general discussion an the conservation of Minnesota's turtles. This should prove to be a most interesting and important topic, especially considering the imminent art-ivaI of the turtle migration season. Everyone interested in turtles or the conservation of .Minnesota·s herpetofauna should plan on attending this meeting. JPL

UPCOM I NG t1EETI NGS

t~jay , June:

John t1urphy - The He'-petofauna of Tri n1 dad and Tobago Paul Buttenhoff - Ne><ican Herpetology

MRS NEWSLETIER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 3 PAGE 2

The International Herpetological Symposium, Inc., announces the

18th INTERNATIONAL HERPETOLOGICAL SYMPOSIUM

New Orleans, Louisiana June 16th - June 19th, 1994

Papers on all aspects of herpetological natural history, including, conservation, field biology, veterinary medicine, husbandry, ecology and related fields will be presented.

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Harold Cogger,

Deputy Director, Australian National Museum

Partial List of Speakers and Topics

Richard Dart, M.D. Advances in the Treatment of Snake Venom Poisoning

Chris Mattison (tentative) Thomas Boyer DVM

MetabOlic Bone Diseases in Reptiles

Andrew Highfield Tortoises of North Africa and the Middle East

Karl Switak Herpetofauna of South Africa

Donald Middaugh Elapid Husbandry

Ronald Markel Milksnake husbandry

Aaron Bauer, Ph.D. Biology and Conservation of Rachodactylus

Scott Stahl, DVM Brian Groombridge, Ph.D.

Reptiles and CITES Ernest Liner

Veterinary Management of Chameleons Roger Klingenberg, DVM

Herpetofauna of Sierra Leone .Donal Boyer

Husbandry of Bushmasters Jean-Marc Touzet

Snakes of Ecuador; Reproductive Husbandry

Merel Cox Herpetology of Southeast Asia

Kenneth Williams, Ph.D Lampropeltis triangulum: Taxonomic problems

Parasitology for Herpetologists Yehuda Werner, Ph.D.

Herpetofauna, Herpetology and Conservation in Israel

Robert Thomas, Ph.D. Zoogeography of Snakes of the Galapagos

Ronald Tremper Reptile Ranching

Len Jones, US Fish and Wildlife Officer Changing Role of Federal Law Enforcement:Protecting Domestic Species

For registration and program information write to: Richard Ross MD, President, IHS

PO Box 2227, Stanford, CA 94309

MHS NEWSLETrER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 3 PAGE 9

Snakes ~f Minnes~ta by Jeff LeClere

Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrvs vernalis)

Descriotion--A harmless little snake that measures 12-22 inches in length. There are no outstanding markings and there is no variation within this soscies. It is Dlain green above witt) an unmarked yellow or white belly. This coloration often extends upward onto the lip scales. The green dorsal cCJlcJr is often quite brilliant q matchif19 grasses and leaves perfectly. The scales are smooth (hence its name) = Blld the anal plate is divided.

Subspecies--This species, like the Lined snake . (Trooodocionion lillsatum) l was divided into subspecies using ventral scale counts as the key. The Eastern Smooth Green snal(e and the Western Smooth BY"sen snake are now considered one soecies:

Ranqe--This snakes' range once supposedly spanned ac~oss most of Mirlnesota and most of north central afld nor-theastern North America. Now it is greatly reduced to various blotches scattered throughout its natural range~ In Miflnesota~ this snake apcearently follows the ~!ississiopi and Crow Wing rivers as most records for," a line from northwest to southeastern ~Iinnesota= Isol~ted records from relativlv distant counties indicate a larger range in tt12 oast:

Habitat--The Smooth Green snake is found in moist~ grassy situatiol'S~ often edged with woodlands~ This snake is clften seen cros3inq biking or walking trails, or brought home by dogs or cats who hunt in large. gY-assy fislds-parti(:ularilv near railroad tracks.

Habits--This snake is largely diurnal and les5 secretive thal1 the otller Minnesota sllakes described ir! this series thus fdt-.. It sDends most o-F i 1:.5 day f Of'" a.g i ng ttH-ough tall grasii or small stlrubs and though it is an accomplished climber~ it is "lastly terrestri~l. It doesn't spend as much time under debris as other Minnesota sr,akes~ but do not underestimate the effectiveness of searching under boards q

flat rocks or' similar cover for these snakes. Wherl dDproacl1ed in the field~ these snakes often '·Freeze' or gen·tlv sway with the grass~ oefectly camouflaged. Most are discovered only when they venture out onto the road~ When

MHS NEWSLETIER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 3 PAGE 10

some safety for the animal, too many hands and people trying to catch a glimpse can cause an accident or escape.

*** Special Notes! *** All reptile sales MUST be conducted outside of the meeting room! Thanks for your cooperation!

Thanks to Delvin Jones who donated his speaker fee back to the society to be used towards donation to Barney Oldfield and John Moriarty's book "Amphibians & Reptiles Nat i ve to Mi nnesota. "

* HELP WANTED! * MHS is always looking for more volunteers for a variety of projects and committees. If you would like to be more involved with the society, please call the President Bill Moss and let him know what you are interested in.

Following are several committees that currently and desperately need help from the membership ASAP!

MHS LI BRARIAN

Sally Brewer will be retiring as Librarian. We need a second person to help Karin James at the meeting to check out books. Pl ease contact Bill Moss if you would like to he 1 p. Out i es inc 1 ude : checking out books to members, checking membership ids, collecting late fees, organizing books, etc. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK SALLY! !!


MHS HANDS-ON COMMITTEE

MHS is need of a new hands on committee chair and members. Duties include scheduling hands on events and signing up volunteers, setting up display board, etc. There currently is no one in charge of this and the year is almost half over. Please contact Bill Moss.

MHS ADOPTION COMMITTEE

We are always looking for new members to help on the adopti on commi ttee. Dut i es include: distributing adoption forms at meetings, keeping track of adoption records, voting on adoptions, temporarily housing adoption animals and picking them up, etc. Please contact Bill Moss or past Pres. Jake Jacobsen if you are interested.

NEWSLETTER JOURNALIST WANTED!

I would greatly appreciate any and all help in producing this newsl etter. I do not have the time or resources to do all of the article writing. If you would like to contribute anything please send it directly to me (see 1st page). You do not need to have any writing skills whatsoever, just an interest in herps (that shouldn't be too hard!)

I am looking for more artwork, comics, quick articles on basi c care, hi nts, ideas on cage setups, short stories on past experiences - good or bad, funny stories, newspaper clippings, anything!

I especially would like a volunteer who has access to past newsletters who can

PAGES

quickly review them for old articles of interest and xerox them and send them to me to use in the Blast from the Past page.

Thanks for your help. Let's make this years MHS newsletter the best ever!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Thanks to all the members who volunteered their time to help the MHS in 1993! Your time and efforts were greatly appreciated! Those who donated over 10 hours received a MHS mug. If you did not come to the last meeting and receive yours, you can pick it up at the April meeting.

Over 10 Hours Ackerman, Jeff Anton, Gloria Ash, Gary Bergquist, .... Dan Blasus, Randy Bosman, Fred Bosman, Liz Brewer, Sally Brice, . Linsay Brooks, Marilyn Calander, Donna Cherveny, Todd Cords, Cheryl Cords, Scott Delles, Brandon Delles, Bruce Delles, Chase Good, Norm Haig, Nancy Hakomaki, Nancy Hardy. Cindy

Hoeye, Cindy Hoeye, Ken Houle, Gidget Jacobsen, Glen Jessen, Tom . Iimmson, Nanette Jimerson, Vence Jones, Delvin Kvallbek, Greg LeClere, Jeff Levell, Connie Levell, John Meissner, Ted Meltzer, John Moss, Bill Munson, Dave Newman, Drew Ost, Dallas Paulson, Hans Porwoll, Ann Radanke, Barbara

MRS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 3

Rea, Jim Rea, Josie Rea, Karen Rea, Siri Richard,(3eorge Richard, Sarah

Schei~€lr''''€lrry §rnith, Sandy Stillinger, Michele Wahl, Doris Wilber, Marla

Under 10 Hours Aherns, Jod), Burton, Dave Chervery, Julie. Daly, Dennis . Erickson, Diane Goebel, Tim Haig, Bruc€l Haugen, Dean H elgelson'I3€lc~)' HO€lye, ... Candi ..... Hoppe, Dan

Hoy, .. Lisa .... Kollander, Theresa Kroise, Lucas Kwong, Alan Lang, Jeff LeClere, Alayna Matzke, Joe Neil, Matt Nordby,Jason .... Paiter, Lynll ... Scherman, Gary Thiss, Kathy

PAGE 6

MHS General Meeting Review

By Randy Blasus, Recording Secretary

This last month we were entertained by the Founding Father of MHS - Delvin Jones. Delvin took us on a herpetological tour of the southwestern Untied States. Our journey began in Southern California, continued through Arizona and New Mexico then ended in Big Bend, Texas. This tour showed us some impressive terrain and included some interesting photography tips.

Beginning in Joshua Tree National Park, a part of the Mojave Desert, Delvin found more spiny plant life than animals. One of the animals he did find, however, was very photogenic. This was not by choice, as the subject (a small lizard) was tied to the the limb with dental floss (first photo tip). Many of the following slides were good representatives of the common desert herps, such as the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, a Texas Short Horned Lizard, and wide variety of Sceloporus lizards. Delvin took special pride in finding and photographing several not so common animals. Among these were: a Red Diamondback Rattlesnake, a Long Nosed Leopard Lizard, and a partagenetic Whiptail.

Delvin did most of his herping at night while driving various likely looking roads. One night, Delvin drove past a common Minnesota site, a worm. Seconds later, it occurred to him that worms are not in the desert and he was not in Minnesota. He quickly applied the brakes, then returned to capture a Southwestern Blind Snake. This find was unusual as these snakes are avid burrowers. The animals were usually kept only temporarily to photograph them in the natural sunlight (second photo tip). Sidewinders werc an exception to this policy because they would quickly disappear if disturbed at any way (third photo tip).

Delvin kept excellent records of location data to accompany each picture. This allowed him to accurately identify the correct species name fo,' each animal found. Without proper location data, positive identification would be impossible in most cases.

In general, Delvin's program gave us a good overview of desert herpetofauna as well as some rare sights. This talk was also well timed as spring and herping season is drawing near. In his closing remarks though, he stressed that while afield we should leave only footprints and take only memories with us.

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 3 PAGE?

HFVI

Calendar of Events

jr--- .

II APRIL 1994 r Event Type 1[-I: Ii

-~a~~~-=--on-l * Uni versity of Mi nnesota Vet School Open House 11 -

~

! I[

Ii , ii-Ii

Conferences-

Ispm. Contact Bi 11 Moss or 'Michele Stillinger if you

would like to participate. Tab1 es wi 11 be available for our use and the event should be held indoors.

Ir-----~------- i---

~ L

Seminars

Other events

JUNE 1994

1

* 17th annua 1 all Florida Herp Conference (see next , page for info) 1

* A special reminder, we are still looking for someone to be the new hands - on chairperson. Contact the President for details.

Volunteers are always needed for hands - on events. If you can donate a few hours of your time to help educate the public about how great herps really are, please join us! A sign up sheet will be available at the April meeting for the Vet School Open House or you can contact the above if you would like to help out!

FOR SALE OR PETTING ZOOS PARTIES'OR PROMOTIONS

ANIMALS OF WALTON'S HOLLOW EXOTIC 8: FARM ANIMALS

BILL a: JEAN WALTON 5425 PETERSON ROAD

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55127-6713 (612) 426'8163

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 3

SECORD'S EXO'l'IC ANIMAL HOUSE BILLY SECORD (612)-920-4602

SPECIALIZES IN CAPTIVE BREEDING OF FINE EXOTIC MAMMALS. HEDGEHOGS, FENNEC FOX,

AND MANY OTHERS! USDA LICENSED!

PAGE 8

The International Herpetological Symposium, Inc., announces the

18th INTERNATIONAL HERPETOLOGICAL SYMPOSIUM

New Orleans, Louisiana June 16th - June 19th, 1994

Papers on all aspects of herpetological natural history, including, conservation, field biology, veterinary medicine, husbandry, ecology and related fields will be presented.

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Harold Cogger,

Deputy Director, Australian National Museum

Partial List of Speakers and Topics

Richard Dart, M.D. Advances in the Treatment of Snake Venom Poisoning

Chris Mattison (tentative) Thomas Boyer DVM

Metabolic Bone Diseases in Reptiles

Andrew Highfield Tortoises of North Africa and the Middle East

Karl Switak Herpetofauna of South Africa

Donald Middaugh Elapid Husbandry

Ronald Markel Milksnake husbandry

Aaron Bauer, Ph.D. Biology and Conservation of Rachodactylus

Scott Stahl, DVM Brian Groombridge, Ph.D.

Reptiles and CITES Ernest Liner

Veterinary Management of Chameleons Roger Klingenberg, DVM

Herpetofauna of Sierra Leone Donal Boyer

Husbandry of Bushmasters Jean-Marc Touzet

Snakes of Ecuador; Reproductive Husbandry

Merel Cox Herpetology of Southeast Asia

Kenneth Williams, Ph.D Lampropeltis triangulum: Taxonomic problems

Parasitology for Herpetologists Yehuda Werner, Ph.D.

Herpetofauna, Herpetology and Conservation in Israel

Robert Thomas, Ph.D. Zoogeography of Snakes of the Galapagos

Ronald Tremper Reptile Ranching

Len Jones, US Fish and Wildlife Officer Changing Role of Federal Law Enforcement:Protecting Domestic Species

For registration and program information write to: Richard Ross MD, President, IHS

PO Box 2227, Stanford, CA 94309

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 3 PAGE 9

Snakes ~f M;nnes~ta by Jeff LeClere

Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrvs vernalis)

Description--A harmless little snake that measures 12-22 inches in length. There are no outstanding markings and there is no variation within this soecies. It is olain green above with an unmarked vellqw or white belly. This coloration of~en extends upward onto the lip scales. The green dorsal colcJr is often quite brilliant~ mat(:hing grasses and leaves perfectly. The scales are smobth (hence its name). alld the arlal plate is divided.

Subspecies--This species~ like the Lined snake (Tropodoclonion lineatufn) 1 was divided into subspecies using ventral scale counts as the key. The Eastern Smooth Green snake and the Western Smooth Gr"een snake are now considered one s08cies ..

Ranqe--This snakes' range once supposedly spanned ac~oss most of Mirlnesota and most of north central and flor-theastern North America. Now it is greatly reduced to various blotches scattered throughout its natural range~ In Mirlnesota 1 this snake ~ppearently follows the Mississiopi and Crow Wing rivers as most records form a line from norttlwest to southeastern ~Iinnesota. Isolated records from relativlv distant counties indicate a larger range in ttle cast ..

Habitat--T~,e Smooth Green snake is found in moist~ grassy situatiollS~ often edged with woodlands~ This snake is clften seen crosainq biking or walking trails~ or brought home by dogs or cats who hunt in large. gr-assy fi91ds--particularilv near railroad tr"acks.

Habits--This snake is largely diurnal and less secretive thall the clther Mirlnesota snakes described irl ttlis series thu"3 fat-. It soends most o-f i t.";s dav -foragi ng through tall grass or small stlrubs and t!lough it is an acc:onlplished climber, it is mostly terrestri21~ It doesn't spend as much time under debris as ot!lsr Minnesota sflakes~ but dCl not underestimate the effectiveness of searclling under boards~ flat rocks or similar cover for these sflakes~ Wherj aopt-oached in the -field~ thesE-::? snakes o{ten ""-FI'-eeze"" Ot

gently sway Wittl the 9rass~ (lefectly camouflaged~ Most are discovered only when they venture out onto the road. When

MRS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 3 PAGE 10

oicked 1.lp~ it mav thra~!l about flJr a short while and then ~..;t-a.p itself 2t-ound '.lour finqet·-~ It neV9r- bi tes q but an iflteresting behavior has been observed in these snakes. Ii it is disturbed for a prolonqed period q it opens its mouth arld twists as though in agollY. If left alone it attemtJts to crawl awav and carryon normal Iv. Once disturbed aqain~ however q the snake resumes its act.

After death~ Green snakes turn blue in dorsal coloratiorl. Yellow alld blue pigments in the skirl fuse to create the bright qreen color in the living snakes. After death~ tt18 yellow pigment breaks down very quicklvq whereas the blue pigment is more stable and remains muctl longer.

It active from April to October~ hibernating ill burrows~ rock crevices~ road embankments~ and (particularilv in northern Minnesota) ant mounds. Hundreds of Green snakes plus red-bellies and young plains garter snakes fnay be found in a sinqle mound~ Breeding takes place in early spring and possibly la.te summer-~ It is oviparous" laying 3-15 eqgs in a clutch. Several females may utilize the same flesting site s;o a single site may contain many more eggs than the average 6-7 eggs per CILltCtl~ Sonte female Green snakes may retain the eqgs until thev hatch like ovoviviparous serpents~ or lay the eggs a few weeks or even days before they hatch. They hatch in Julv or August. The young are 4-7 inches long and f10ticablv darker than the adults.

Food--Almost exclusively insects~ grasshoppers~ crickets~

caterpillars q ants~ soiders. scot. Rarelv they may conSU1I1G worms~ slugs, frogs, or salamanders. These snakes rely on keen eyesight to find their {oDd and seem less dependant orl

their sense of smell to locate food than the other Minnesota thus fay" in this s.2I'-if?S.

Care--This snake reouires more att~ntion than afore mel,tioned snakes in this series. Uillike t~le othersa a typical 10 gallon with newspaper will usually not suffice. A 10 gallon with a SECURE fitting tC)P is a good fir"st step~ but the substrate must contain some dampness. Any container" makes a good enclosure. but it must have a very esc:ape-proof lid and any vents must be double-checked. These snakes are close to the top of t~le list when it comes to escapes a Thev can slip through holes slightly smaller around than themsel ves and thout;lh they do not have i.:hE\ st.rengt.h to POWE?T

their way out of a cage~ they certainly use their strength in climbing to scout for openirlgs! Suitible substrates include soil (which should be baked at 350 degrees F. for 15-20 (ninLltes if collected from outside)~ sphagflum moss~ or indoo!~/outdoor carpet. The carpet can be used only if you provide a small container of damp moss. A water bowl kelJt full of clean water is a must. A climbing branch can be added as ttlis snake will probablv use it a lot. Real or artificial plants ,naka the terrarium very attractive and the srlakes are li9ht enough to crawl about them withc]ut damagiflQ them. Live plants are probably a better choice as they


freshen tile air and the silakes seem to adapt quicker when they are used~ An incandescant lamp on one side of the terrar-ium stlOllld or-ovide enough heat. Check the temrJerature with a tt,ermometer. It should be 80-90 degrees F. during the day drooping a few degrees at rligllt~ A Vita-lita is a good idea~ not so much for the nutritional value of the food whict, can be attained through vitamillS~ but to keep its bright coloration. These snakes. as well as a few others~ may darken wilen placed in darker cages using ventral heat. For manv snakes~ this is a proper way to keep them as 90% of them are bur"rowers, but a few~ like the Greerl snake, ar"s diurnal~ non-burrowers. Ventral heat is not needed because most Greerl snakes will not use it. A light misting twice a week is almost a neccesity even if water is supplied in a bowl. ()therwise t~lev seem to dehydrate rather quickly~

Feeding !nust be done carefully~ These snake5 are fastidious at first~ tJut if you get them to feed arlee, tt18V usually continue on a regular basis. Some of them will never feed q no matter what. These should be released after a month if they have nqt fed q preferably at the same location where they were captured. Green snakes are almost exclusively insectivorous-there are no tricks to get them to eat any thing elsau Thev will have nothing to do with roderlts~ and although there are reports of these snakes eating amphibians q t~ley will probatlly refuse them~ Of-fer tllem crickets~ caterpillars. or spiders and it is very inlportant that these are (lusted with a vitamin and mir1eral powder that contains calcium. Feed these snakes a few food items every othl:;?~- day in~;tf2ad Q·f a lot at one ff?edint]. If vou collect insects outside~ make sure no pesticides are used in that area. If YOU tlUY food from a store, try cr-ickets~ wax worrns. l~r meal worms and dust them just before feeding them to your snake. If YOU raise food -for VOllr snaken add vitamins and calcium to the insects' food arld there will be no need to dust theln prior to feeciillq them to your 6nake~ Do not feed too manv insects with hard shells like mealworms or beetles as these stlells mav calJSe ar1 impac:tion in the digestive tr-act~ The food must be live because they use sight to find food. Ottler snakes mentioned earlier in ttlis series will use siqht minimally~ but will only eat it if they smell it and it smells like food. Green snakes will see a cric:ket drOfJPsd into their cage and come rushing over from the other side of the "cage and begin chasing and eating without havif1g smellsci the actual food. It seems that it should be easy to trick them into eating other food q but the COfltrarv is tr~Je. Just give them live crickets, qrasshoppers, and hairless c:aterlJillars as these seem to be the most acc:epted.

Breedinq has not been reported. although gravid females have laid eggs soon after caoture. If YOU want to try breeding these snakes~ hibernate the pair for a few months arId JJlace them t0ge'the~ in the spring. Yourlg will eat (justed oinhead (babv) crickets. Captive hatched young will usually eat sooner in captivity thall wild-cauqht adults.


Art;c::les of Interest

Saving Graces

I saw another disaster the other' day. On Route 117 in Lincoln, just between Farrar Pond and Mount Misery, an innocent painted turtle ventured out onto the road, intent on crossing. Ahead of

me, there was a steady stream of oncoming traffic; behind me, an impatient driver in a white Camara, riding my tail. I saw tragedy in the making and pulled over to rescue the turtle, but the Camara swerved around me and sped on. He caught the side of the shell and spun the turtle into the opposite lane. The oncoming traffic flattened it. It was rush hour. People had to get home.

This is the fate of t;"rtles at this time of year. Each spring, starting in April, they venture from ponds where they have'spent the winter to lay their eggs in dry, upland soils, often crossing back roads and highways in the process. Turtles have enough problems in late twentiethcentury New England, even without roads. Six of the dozen formerly common species have declined Significantly in number, having fallen victim to loss of wetlands, pollution, pesticides-not to mention indifferent, even vindictive, drivers in high-speed cars. It is not a good age for turtles.

It is not a good age for people. The Carter Center is tracking the course of no fewer than thirty wars and over one hundred serious conflicts. Industrial chemicals are eroding the very structure of the earth's sheltering atmosphere; air pollution is altering the world climate; there are too many people on earth; what food there is is not being distributed equitably; and now the whole course of civilization is conspiring to undo a class of animal that has endured on the planet since the age of the dinosaurs.

In the face of it all, the least one can do is help turtles cross roads.

Here in eastern New England, where there are a lot of ponds and wetlands, and in certain areas, a healthy local population of turtles, that is no small task. On certain days in late May I sometimes have to stop two or three times. The setting is always the same. Ahead on the road, when you are least expecting it, you see a thing very like a rock. Come closer and you will see the shell, the head extended, those beady, seemingly intelligent eyes, cautiously regarding the passing cars. Sometimes they make a dash for it (or as much of a dash as a turtle is capable of). Sometimes

MRS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 3

they forge on in the face of certain dissolution. Rarely have I seen one turn back.

I pull over and wav~ off traffic. Around me the indifferent drivers wail by, rushing to God knows where. Some swerve away perilously, some brake, some even pull over, but most stream past without altering their course. Too often I am too late and have to witness the violence of roads, the dreaded impact, the spin of the shell, perhaps a second strike. Sometimes, tho'Ugh, I am able to carry the potential victim across and set it on course.

My favorites are the big snappers, the ones who detest rescue. I love to see them stand off cars, glaring. I love the way they rise up, hissing and lunging

when you come near. I like the way they attempt to kill you even when you've got them by the tail and they must know, or believe at least. that their end has come.

I have learned a great deal in the years of turtle salvage. I have learned that it is fruitless to turn

S . I them back from their destinations. napPw/i II1rt e They will simply try again after you

leave. I have learned that suburban women in high heels and jewelry are not necessarily terrified of huge snapping turtles. I once came across a group of properly attired ladies on a back road in Carlisle wheeling an immense, gape-jawed snapper to safety in a wheelbarrow. I have learned that at least 50 percent of American drivers are not watching the road. I have seen them run over turtles without pause. And. finally', I have learned never to prejudge fast drivers in late-model muscle cars.

Once, on a narrow back road, I was tailgated by such a car for miles. I could see the driver in the rear-view mirror-he was hunched over the wheel, his head tilted to one side impatiently, wraparound dark glasses, wide, angry mustache. And then ahead. around a sharp curve, tao late to stop short because of the tailgater, I saw a turtle. a spotted. a oncecommon species. I swerved past and pulled over,

. certain that the speeder would strike, probably out' of spite. I heard a squeal of brakes, and before I could even get out of the car he was there, cradling the turtle in his hands. He carried it across the road and let it go in a marsh. "Spotted turtle," he said to me when I arrived on the scene. "These are rare. We got to take care of these guys." ....

JHc>l

PAGE 14

81'-(·?ckellridge .. lI.J. 3. 1944~ Reotiles and Anlphibi.3.ns of /"1innesota .. ~

Behler. John L~ arld F." Wayne King 1979. The Audubon Society Field Guide to Reptiles and

Amohibians of North America ..

Conant~ Roger-1975. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amohibiarls of

Easterl1 and Central NQr-th America.

Johnson~ Tom F<. 1987. The Amohibians and Reotiles of /"Jissouri.

Rossi'! John t../" 1992~ Snakes of the United States and Canada.

Tt-utnau~ LudwiQ. 1981. Nonveno~ous Snakes~

TIMBER RATTLESNAKE - LIMITED EDITION PRINT By DAN KEYLER

This print is from an original pen & ink drawing and.is limited to an edition of 141 signed and numbered prints. Each print will cost $15.00 and can be personalized upon request. MRS members interested in purchasing a print should contact the artist at MRS meetings or by calling 347-8760 (w) or 933-2055 (h). Proceeds will be used to recover printing costs and further Timber Rattlesnake research in Minnesota. So place your order soon - they wbn't last long.

MRS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 3 PAGE l3

New law bans keeping

of exotic animals

Sirl Rea of West St. Paul and her pets, a corn snake and bOa ronstrlctor. (Photo by Bill Jones)

By Sue Hegarty

A three-foot long boa constricter named Boa Jackson may bave to search for a new home, outside West St. Paul's city limits.

A law which prohibits the keeping of dangerous exotic animals was unanimously adopted by the West St. Paul City Council Feb. 15.

Boa Jackson's owner, Siri Rea, said the new law concerns her because it sets a precedent.

"I think they should react more to the individual than to the whole population," said Sirl, a senior at Henry Sibley High School.


Siri paid $100 for the baby boa one year ago. Some snakes can cost up to $500, she said. Pet store owners should be notified of the new ordinance so that they can warn residents who might want to purchase an exotic pet. she said.

PAGElS

If Boa is forced out of his West st. Paul home, he won't go alone. Siri also owns a fox snake, a corn snake, five gecko lizards, an Mrican parrot, a hedgehog and a hog nose snake named Bucky. She lives with her dad who owns various turtles.

The new law is a proactive measure, said Rick Ruzicka, animal control officer for West St. Paul and South st. Paul.

Ruzicka said he knows of a cougar cub living in a onebedroom apartment in South St. Paul, which does not have an exotic animal ordinance.

Violation of the West St. Paul ordinance will be considered a petty misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $700 fine. Dangerous exotic animals banned from the city include, but are not limited to, ihose in the lion or monkey families, certain snakes and Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs.

Wolves, rattlesnakes, fox, mink, skunk and badgers are some of the dangerous wild native animals that also were banned.

Exceptions include animals temporarily brought into the city for educational purposes or shows; those indigenous to Dakota County that roam free; and animals confined in zoos, circuses or nature centers. However, they must be adequately confined for public safety.

Siri keeps her pets, except for the parrot, in modified aquariums with hinged, locked lids. She and her dad lived in southern California, where snakes and turtles are numerous, she said. When she was 6 years old, she asked for a dog. Her dad said a dog was too big but agreed to buy her a snake. .

Over the years, she has added to her menagerie. In the summer, she takes her pets on the

l Sarah M. Richard

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REALTOR®

! .3> Bus. (612) 781-6061 'il VM/Pager (612) 223-0407 ,e Fax: (612)781'2311

Northeast Metro Office 4111 Central Avenue N.E. Columbia Heights, MN 55421

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OF COASTAL AND DESERT ROSY BOAS!

W'E ALSO HAVE COMMON BOAS! ADULT

AND SUB-ADULT!

JOHN & RUTH MELTZER (612) 263-7880

PICK OF THE LITIER!

road with the Dakota County Bookmobile to educate the public about reptiles.

"I ride along and set up a table at each stop. I'm insured by the library as a performer, but there's never been an incident," Siri said.

Siri also owned a ferret for nfne years. The ferret died of natural causes three weeks ago.

Council members withdrew plans to include the ferret, a small domesticated weasel, in the ban.

West St. Paul resident Donna Betz introduced council members to Tiffany, her 5-yearold ferret. Tiffany is litter-box

trained, eats vegetables and fruit and wears a leash when she goes for walks in her West St. Paul neighborhood, Betz said.

"I'm glad they realize what a ferret is now," Betz said after the hearing.

Ruzicka said the state Public Health Department recom-

.- mends sacrificing ferrets to determine whether they are rabid. Cats and dogs usually show signs of rabies within a HI-day period, but there is no scientific evidence to determine rabies in a ferret, Ruzicka said.

A vaccination was approved in 1991 for ferrets.


Snake Baked 7n O~en Minu~es Sur~7~esf

Tor 45

By TONY CASSIDY / Correspondent

JONES, Mich. - A 6-foot boa constrictor named Julius Squeezer almost got his goose cooked when he slithered into the oven - where he was trapped while his owner's mom baked an apple pie!

JULIUS SQUEEZER, above, Is one lucky boa constrictor. Housewife Jenny Morgan, right, got the shock

of her life when she found him in the oven.

Poor Julius was as hot it was, I almost fainted. It was

k h J the last thing I expected to very hot! But all he had were

as a firecrac er w en en- see in the oven. little burn marks where the hot ny Morgan opened the ov- "It's an absolute miracle rack had touched his body." en door and found him that he survived. The oven Julius had the run of the coiled on top of the pie. was set at 350 degrees and he house after his 9-yeal'-0Id mas-

"When I reached in to get must have been in there for tel' failed to fasten the wire top the pie, I felt something hot the entire 45 minutes that the of his cage. brush my arm," the 32-year- pie was baking. Non-poisonous and friendly old mother of two said. "Actually, he was in pretty to humans, Julius eventually

L_'_'W_h_e_n_I_l_o_o_ke_d_to_s_e_e_w_h_a_t.:....:,go_o_d_sh_a_p_e_. _H_e_w_a_s_h_o_t_._.-,. holed up in the oven, which had been a favored snoozing place on previous escapes. Congo man sees 50 python eggs hatch

BRAZZAVILLE, Congo -You're walking alone in the Congolese jungle and come across 50 eggs that mayor may not belong to an enormous snake. Do you:

A) Keep walking. B) Run. C) Scoop them up, take them

home and hope they hatch in your house. .

An unidentified peasant chose

C) recently and came home one aay to find his hut literally crawling with 50 infant pythons - a remarkable zero mortality rate, Congolese radio reported Wedoesday.

For the past three weeks, the man has been desperately trying to sell the snakes to a zoo, the state forestry ministry. wallet makers - only to find there is no market.

- F,om Argus Leader wire services

CONGO MAN SEE EGGS HATCH Reprinted from Sioux Falls Argus Leader.

EXOTIC ANIMALS

Julius was taken to a veterinarian who treated the burns and put a medication in his eyes to prevent them from drying out. But other than that, he was given a clean bill of health.

"The vet said by all rights Julius should have cooked to a turn/' Mrs. Morgan said. (lIt's just one of those things that can't be explained.

"But I think my son has learned a lesson. He almost lost Julius because of his carelessness. I think he'll be keeping the cage top closed from now on/)

Reprinted from West St. Paul/Mendota Height's SUN CURRENT 2/23/94 Vol. 22 #10.

SAVING GRACES Reprinted courtesy of John H. Mitchell & Sanctuary Magazine the Journal

of the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Vol. 32 #5 May/June 1993. Drawing by Oavid M. Carroll.

SNAKE BAKED IN OVEN Reprinted from National Enquirer.

MHS NEWSLETI'ER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 3 PAGE 17

fort ·Wworth zoo

January 18, 1994

Dear Herpetologists;

For many years the Jamaican iguana, Cyclura collei, was thought to be extinct until a hunting dog captured one in 1990. The news that the Jamaican iguana still existed brought excitement to the conservation community, however this ray of hope is tempered by the continuing problems that threaten the existence of this species.

Recent surveys suggest that no more than a hundred Jamaican iguanas remain in the Hellshire Hills of Jamaica. This population is threatened by habitat destruction and predation by non-native predators such as mongooses, feral pigs and dogs.

The newly formed Jamaican Iguana Research and Conservation Group, with support from several other organizations, including the Ft. Worth Zoo, have started an ambitious species recovery plan. Research indicates that young Jamaican iguanas are vulnerable to predators, therefore, a headstarting program is underway. About 50% of the young from wild nests are being captured and raised in captivity for four years until they reach a size that will protect them from most predators.

In addition to headstarting the young iguanas, plans are underway to build reintroduction facilities to help the captive raised animals adjust to the wild. To support these efforts habitat conservation and control of non-native predators is necessary. Consideration is also being given to the establishment of another population on an island off the coast of Jamaica.

We need your help! The above projects require financial assistance. Your society can help by encouraging your members, as well as the society itself, to send a contribution to the Jamaican Iguana Research and Conservation Group. In addition, you can publicize the availability of the attractive Save the Jamaican Iguana posters for $12.50. Your society can buy 10 posters for $100 or 25 or more at $8 each (we'll pay postage on the group sales) and resale them at your meetings for a profit or even give them away as door prizes or awards. The proceeds from the sale of the posters will support the Jamaican iguana conservation efforts.


You can purchase the posters or send contributions to;

Rick Hudson Ft. Worth Zoo 1989 Colonial Parkway Ft. Worth, TX 76110 (817) 871-7000

Please help ensure that the most endangered lizard in the world does not once again appear on the list of extinct species.


Sincerely,

WC\<-. RicK Hudson, Chair AAZPA Lizard Advisory Group & Assistant Herpetology Curator

PAGE 19

Frank & Kate Slavens P.O. Box 30744

Seattle, Washington 98103 FAX 2065462912

3 February, 1994

TO: Any Public Institution or Private person keeping live reptiles and amphibians in captivity.

Dear Colleague,

This letter is an appeal for your cooperation with producing future editions of "Reptiles and Amphibians in Captivity - Breeding, Longevity, & Inventory" current as ofJanuary 1 st of each year. We would like to receive as many responses as possible with emphasis on breeding records and experiences so that this information can be widely shared. If you and others you know were to respond to our surveys we could quickly have an overall view of the status of reptiles and amphibians in captivity. A yearly account of breeding success for all captive reptiles and amphibians is of great interest. Which species are being kept? Which species are hardy and live? Which species are easily bred? What numbers are being bred? How long do they live? Who's breeding which species? These are just a few of the things we would know if eVl)ryone keeping and breeding (or trying to breed) reptiles and amphibians would respond each year.

For the past eighteen years, annually for the past fourteen, we have been compiling and publishing, Breeding, Longevity, and Inventory information on captive reptiles and amphibians. Any Public institution or Private person keeping live reptiles and/or amphibians in captivity, and especially those that are breeding them, is asked to contribute to our annual report. It has taken several years to develop the methods of processing all the data and now that the system is in place we would like to compile, on a yearly basis, a record of all breeding which has occurred as well as inventory and longevity information. The current edition is 521 pages and contains information on 528 Genera, (5 caecilian, 37 salamander, 73 frog, 79 turtle, 8 crocodilian, I tuatara, 159 lizard, 5 amphisbianea, and 161 snake), with 34,456 individual specimens held in 222 public and private collections.

If you would participate in this ongoing and evolving project by submitting your inventory and longevity records, and any records of breeding during the previous calendar year, we would be most grateful. We prefer that the breeding information· be as detailed as possible, but even a simple check or asterisk indicating that a species has been bred will be of some value. Submissions should list the numbers of all males, females and unknown sex individuals of each species held as ofJanuary 1 of the current year. Indicate the


known or estimated birthdate of any individuals suspected of exceeding a longevity record. Species which were bred during the previous year should be noted with detailed information if possible.

We are also interested in knowing the reasons why some collectors or breeders might not respond to this survey. Some anonymous submissions will be accepted. The report would be more complete if each person who is seriously keeping reptiles and amphibians in captivity would take a few minutes each year to list what they have, and what they have bred the previous year and submit it. They might even encourage other collectors they know to respond. ' ,

To purchase the current edition, (Hardbound $ 40.00, Softbound $ 30.00 plus $ 3.00 postage and handling), to send in your breeding, longevity, and inventory information, or for additional information, please contact: Frank L. Slavens, P.O. Box 30744, Seattle, W A, 98103, or FAX (206) 546 2912.

Sincerely,

~1-~ Frank L. Slavens

C:,-~_~~0/ ~i~lavens


REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS IN CAPTIVITY BREEDING, LONGEVITY, AND INVENTORY

CURRENT JANUARY I, 1993.

Compiled by Frank L. Slavens

and Kate Slavens

At !ill pages. this edition includes information for 222 public and private collections found throughout the world, a complete inventory listing provides location and sex of 34.456 specimens. Also included arc longevity records.. reproductive information for the previous season, and recent taxonomic name changes.

=---=--=-=-=-----TOORDER---=-=-=---=-==-

CURRENT ISSUE: # 1993 SQF1BOUND (each) $30.00 $ ___ _ # 1993 HARDBOUND (each) $40.00 $ ___ _

PREVIOUS ISSUES: (""h book) # 1980 thru 1992 softbound (each) S 25.00 $ ,-~ __

All 13 back issues available ~softbound - please inquire

POSTAGE & HANDLING (eacb book) S 3.00 OVERSEAS additional (each book) $ 1.00

TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED

DATE ____________ _

NAME ________________ _

ADDRESS ______________ __

ADDRESS _______________ _

CITY STATE ZIP All information should be sent to:

Frank L Slavens P.O. Box 30744 Se2.ttle, Washington

98103 or FAX 2065462912

~t== $_--

"'"--

INFORMATION REQUEST

REPTILES AND AMPHmlANS IN CAPTIVITY - BREEDING, LONGEVITY, AND INVENTORY,CURRENT JANUARY 1ST OF EACH YEAR

This is an annual request for Breeding success of the previous year. In addition inventory and longevity information is requested. Anyone keeping live reptiles and amphibians as uked to contribute to this annual report. Please submit the following information current January 1st of each year.

(1) A complete inventory or all reptiles and amphibians living in your collection as of January 1. Sexes of adult animals should be included and listed male (1.0.0) female (0.1.0) unknown (0.0.1). Juvenile.animals should also be listed using the same fOrmat. For example, 1.2.1 + juv 0.0.10 would read: I adu1t male, 2 adult females, I adu1t of unknown sex, 0 juvenile males, 0 juvenile fema1es and 10

juveniles 'of unknown sex.

(2) A list of all species bred during the previous year. Information may be sparse with simply an indication that the taxon was bred during the year, or it may be quite lengthy including, but not limited to: dates of copulation, dates of egg laying and hatching, types of substrates and temperature used during incubation, light cycles, hibernation, etc. Any type of valuable information up to three or four paragraphs maybe used.

(3) A list of all specimens in your eollection which you believe may set longevity records for the species. List the date of acquisition: your specimen ID number: the sex; estimated age at capture; wild or captivc bred; living or dead; there is also room for brief notes.

(4) A list of any publications (including books, museum bulletins, journals, magazines. etc.) with reference to reproduction of captive reptiles and amphibians.

(5) Please be sure to list your name, address and tclephone numbers as you want them listed.

(6) Anonymous submissions will be considered, especially infonnation of species bred.

(7) Please do respond.

All infonnation should be sent to:

Frank L Slavens P.O. Box 30744 Seattle, Washington

98103. or FAX 206 546 2912

~ PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO ANY PERSON KEEPING LIVE REPTILES AND/OR AMPHIBIANS IN CAl'TMTY.

~

~

'" til iXl

~ > X u:i

~ e:::

~ ::J

~ ~

Snake Baked 7n Oven M7 nu-ces Surv7 ves f "

Tor 4S

By TONY CASSIDY / Correspondent

JONES, Mich. - A 6-foot boa constrictor named Julius Squeezer almost got his goose cooked when he slithered into the oven - where he was trapped while his owner's mom baked an apple pie!

JULIUS SQUEEZER, obove, Is one lucky boa constrictor. Housewife Jenny Morgan, right, got the shock

of her life when she found him In the oven.

Poor Julius was as hot it was, I almost fainted. It was h J the last thing I expected to very hot! But all he had were

as a firecracker IV en . en- see in the oven. little burn marks where the hot ny Morgan opened the ov- "It's an absolute miracle rack had touched his body." en door and found him that he survived. The oven Julius had the run of the coiled on top of the pie, was set at 350 degrees and he house after his 9,year-old mas-

"When I reached in to get must have been in there for tel' failed to fasten the wire top the pie, I felt something hot the entire 45 minutes that the of his cage, brush my arm," the 32-year- pie was baking, Non-poisonous and friendly old mother of two said. "Actually, he was in pretty to humans, Julius eventually

L_'.,:.'W.:.:h::.e:::n:.,l:..:::lo::.o:::ke_d:..:::to_s_e_e_w __ h_a_t.:.,:::go_o_d_sh_a.:p_e_, _H_e_w_a_s_h_o_t_,_,-;. holed up in the oven, which had been a favored snoozing place on previous escapes. Congo man sees 50 python eggs hatch

BRAZZAVILLE, Congo -You're walking alone in the Congolese jungle and come across 50 eggs that mayor may not belong to an enormous snake, Do you:

A) Keep walking, B) Run, C) Scoop them up, take them

home and hope they hatch in your house, .

An unidentified peasant chose

C) recently and came home one day to find his hut literally crawling with 50 infant pythons - a remarkable zero mortality rate, Congolese radio reported Wednesday.

For the past three weeks, the man has been desperately trying to sell the snakes to a zoo, the state forestry ministry, wallet makers - only to find there is no market.

.:.. F,om A'l1uS Leader wire services

CONGO MAN SEE EGGS HATCH Reprinted from Sioux Falls Argus Leader,

EXOTI C AN I MALS

Julius was taken to a veterinarian who treated the burns and put a medication in his eyes to preven t them from drying out. But other than that, he was given a clean bill of health,

"The vet said by all rights Julius should have cooked to a turn," Mrs. Morgan said. (lIes just one of those things that can't be explained,

"But I think my son has learned a lesson, He almost lost Julius because of his care, lessness. I think he'll be keep, ing the cage top closed from now on."

Reprinted from West St. Paul/Mendota Height's SUN CURRENT 2/23/94 Vol. 22 #10.

SAVING GRACES Reprinted courtesy of John H. Mitchell & Sanctuary Magazine the Journal

of the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Vol. 32 #5 May/June 1993. Drawing by David M. Carroll.

SNAKE BAKED IN OVEN Reprinted from National Enquirer.


fort ·Wworth zoo

January 18, 1994

Dear Herpetologists;

For many years the Jamaican iguana, Cyclura yollei, was thought to be extinct until a hunting dog captured one in 1990. The news that the Jamaican iguana still existed brought excitement to the conservation community, however this ray of hope is tempered by the continuing problems that threaten the existence of this species.

Recent surveys suggest that no more than a hundred Jamaican iguanas remain in the Hellshire Hills of Jamaica. This population is threatened by habitat destruction and predation by non-native predators such as mongooses, feral pigs and dogs.

The newly formed Jamaican Iguana Research and Conservation Group, with support from several other organizations, including the Ft. Worth Zoo, have started an ambitious species recovery plan. Research indicates that young J?maican iguanas are vulnerable to predators, therefore, a headstarting program is underway. About 50% of the young from wild nests are being captured and raised in captivity for four years until they reach a size that will protect them from most predators.

In addition to headstarting the young iguanas, plans.are underway to build reintroduction facilities to help the captive raised animals adjust to the wild. To support these efforts habitat conservation and control of non-native predators is necessary. Consideration is also being given to the establishment of another population on an island off the coast of Jamaica.

We need your help! The above projects require financial assistance. Your society can help by encouraging your members, as well as the society itself, to send a contribution to the Jamaican Iguana Research and Conservation Group. In addition, you can publicize the availability of the attractive Save the Jamaican Iguana posters for $12.50. Your society can buy 10 posters for $100 or 25 or more at $8 each (we'll pay postage on the group sales) and resale them at your meetings for a profit or even give them away as door prizes or awards. The proceeds from the sale of the posters will support the Jamaican iguana conservation efforts.


Frog and Toad Survey Volunteers Needed

The Minnesota Herpetological Society will again be cooperating in a pilot study for a statewide

frog and toad survey. The survey was initiated last year with 24 MRS members signing up. An additional 11 non- MRS signed up for routes. Eighteen completed survey routes were returned.

The numbers of frogs heard did not seem to be abnormally high or low, but it will take a number

of years of data in order to show a change. There were several new county records of common

species. The best record goes to Amy Hedlund of Avon who added Bullfrogs to Stearns County.

She included a tape recording of several calling frogs.

The survey is designed as a long-term monitoring program for frog and toad populations in

MInnesota. In order to notice significant changes in population densities the survey routes need to

be run for at least three years. The more years a route is surveyed the better.

What does it take to become a surveyor? An interest in frogs and toads and a commitment to

complete the surveys. The surveys need to be conducted three times a year plus one pre-survey

visit The surveys routes average 10 miles in length with 10 to 12 stops per route. Each route

takes approximately two hours to complete. The surveys start at dusk. Site description forms and

site visit forms need to be completed for each route. The total time commitment per year is 10 to

12 hours. It is hoped that surveyors will keep the same routes for a number of years.

Previous knowledge of frog and toad call identification is helpful, but not required. A tape of

Minnesota's frogs and toads will be provided to all surveyors.

Any MRS member interested in signing up should contact John Moriarty at the address mentioned

below. Please include the name of the county in which you want to conduct your survey. Those

persons who have previously signed up will be contacted in early March. Members wanting to

establish new routes, out side of the Metro area should contact John Moriarty, Frog and Toad

Survey Hennepin Parks, 3800 Co. Rd. 24, Maple Plain, MN 55359 (612) 476-4663.

MRS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 3 PAGE2S

MHS Classified Ads

All proceeds from the sales of MHS merchandise and donated items goes towards the operating costs of the society such as; speaker fees, books for the library, herp related charitable donations, newsletter printing, etc. MHS is a non -profit organization and is volunteer run.

Rat and Mice Sales

MICE

Pinkies - $6.00 doz. Fuzzies - $6.00 doz. Adults - $9.00 doz.

RATS

Pups - $10.00 doz. Adults - $12.00 for six

$24.00 doz.

Orders taken by Terry Scheiber only! Must be made at least one week before the general meeting where they will be delivered.

Phone: (612) 440-7482

***** Mice and rats must be purchased by the dozen except for adult rats which can be purchase in allotments of six. Rat pinkies unavailable. ***** Cage Sales

Cages come pre-built but unfinished with the following; laminate interior, hinged mitered door, glass window, latch, incandescent light fixture and cord. A 7.5 watt bulb will be included. Some cages are available for immediate purchase at the meetings.

*** MHS does not take responsibility for any injuries to animal if purchaser uses a higher wattage bulb or other hardware. *** Specifications 1 x w x h

small: 24 x 18 x 12 $ 50 large:48x18x18 $75

MHS also offers an assortment of other herp related items for sale at the general meeting. these include:

Books M HS stickers, decal's Posters MHS buttons Note cards Bumper stickers T-shirts, several styles

Look for sales of MHS merchandise and items at the far rig ht hand side of the meeting room. Items will be for sale during the break and before and after the meeting if time permits. Please have sales final before the meeting begins so as not to disrupt the meeting proceedings.


CLASSIFIED AD INSTRUCTIONS: Ads are run as a free service to paid members. MRS takes NO responsibility for legality or health of animal advertised here. Ads may be run for three consecutive months at which time ads may be re-submitted. The editor reserves the right to omit ads when space is limited so as to allow all members a chance to advertise. Size of ad is limited to four (4) typed lines or one (I) standard size business card. DEADLINE for all newsletter items is one week before the general meeting.

NON MEMBER & EXPANDED SIZE ADS: Line ads:$.10 per word. Business Cards: $5.00 per month.

Quarter page ads: Half page ads: Full page ads:

One month only $10.00 per month $20.00 per month $40.00 per month

Three or more months $7.50 per month $15.00 per month $25.00 per month

Six or more months $5.00 per month $10.00 per month $15.00 per month

Send all newsletter items to: Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter Editor, 234 West George Street, St. Paul, MN 55107.

MEMBERSHIP AND T-SHIRT ORDER FORM

MINNESOT A HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

NAME(S)~ ________________________________________________________________ _

ADDRESS~ ________________________________________________________________ _

CITY ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_ STA TE ~ ____ __ ZIP CODE

PHONE~ ________________________ ~ LIST IN MHS DIRECTORY? YES NO __

HERPRELATEDINTERESTS: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~_

TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP? NEW ____ RENEWAL __ __

MEMBERSHIP LEVEL? ~---"SUSTAINING ..... $60.00

____ CONTRIBUTING ..... $30.00

-INSTITUTION .... $25.00

~ __ DBASIC .... $15.00

Are you currently ( or will be) a University of Minnesota student? ~_(check if yes)

HOW DID YOU HEAR OF MHS? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Newest T-Shirts Two Designs ($17.00 includes postage)

Circle Choice North American Turtles Iguana (Head Shot)

Indicate how many of each size SMALL~_ LARGE~_

ADULTS: MEDIUM_ X-LARGE_

NEW POISON DART FROG T-SHIRT

($14.00 postage included) Indicate how many of each size

SMALL~_ LARGE~_ KIDS~_ ADULTS:

MEDIUM~_ X-LARGE~_

"lease enclose payment. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society. Membership is for 12 months from late of joining. A receipt will be sent only on request. Allow 6-8 weeks for processing. MAIL TO: Minnesota Herpetological >ociety, Bell Museum Of Natural History, 10 Church Street South East, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104

MINNESOTA

HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY

BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

10 CHURCH STREET S. E. MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

+

+ DELIVER BY APRIL 1, 1994

+

+

Non-Profit Rate U. S. Postage

PAID Mpls. MN

Permit No. 2rt5

Documents

Vol. 14 (1994), No. 3