III

1 1

BELL 1\1USEUM OF NA TIJRAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH ST. S.E. MINNEAPOUS, M.N 55455-0104

... v ........... ·v ... 1l. 2 L 1992: _",,,.,,,mn fl.1ll;"'OT~1Y'i

Cleveland

April 18, 1992: 1 Annual 3J1-Florida Herpetology "-'\')'L.A.L"".A.

Gainesville Contact David at (904) 392-1721.

August, 1992: 2nd International Symposium on Turtles Management Exact date and location to be announced.

of

'.n.rtr,lllC<,olC' - Conservation and

August 2-6, 1992 Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles University of Texas-El Paso.

~ ~ II The purpose of the Minnesota Herpetological Society is: to further education of the II II membership and the general public in care captive propagation of reptiles and arnphi- II II bia:as; to ecltl€at~ the memBership and the ge~fal pybYc in t}-}@ ~cologiGal role of reptiles II II and amphibians; and to promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians. II II II II II II \I II II II II II PRESIDENT John Meltzer (612) 263-7880 II II VICE-PRESIDENT Scheiber (612) 440-7482 II II lLJ''''''.''' . .Il.tUiJ,.ll Daly (612) 633-8370 II II Michele Stillinger (612) 588-4613 II II Marilyn Brooks (612) 533-7723 II II Anne Wetherell-Moriarty (612) 647-1334 II II Jacobsen (612) 757-8268 II II Vence Jimw..,on (612) 869-8547 II II Greg Kvanbek (612) 533-7723 II II Bill Moss (612) 488-1383 II II John Moriarty (612) 647~ 1334 II

~================================================~

© Copyright 1\IH11"UlllOl:~A~Q reproduced for inclusion in that the material is reproduced without 'V"'A<A!.il.~V Newsletter citing volume number and

nATE' U-:rln .. r U,,1....-. ...... _y '7 100'"' U .1 • .1'.11U<:1Y, .1'CUIUC:U I, 1";;1':;1",

TIME: 7:00 PM

Next Meeting

nT It. ("""C. 'l'l~ D" .. l"'" .... Unl1 .r Lfi\"-L. JJJ llUH<:1U~ .1.1i:1ll

st. Paul Campus University of Minnesota

PROGRAM: SEVENTH ANNUAL WHITE SNAKE SALE

Every year at this time bargain seekers from far and near come to the MHS White Snake Sale in search of treasures. Proceeds from the sale go toward special MHS purchases such as our slide projector, library books, the picnic, speakers, etc. Please bring your dOhations to the meeting. The following is a list of suggested items for donation. NO LIVE ANIMALS.

driftwood heat pads or tape screen tops herp jewelry rattles aquariums

Rules of the Game:

hide boxes aquariums food herptoys clothing herp/nature books

cage substrate hot rocks vitamins herp/nature art . shells new or used cages

water dishes snake hooks herptoys fangs skins cage lights

- When you arrive, bring your donations to the back of the room. Sale Committee members will be wearing ann bands to help you identify them. Give donations to them.

- Take care of membership dues, and returning of library books after dropping off donations. The library will not be open but a box for returned books will be out

- Certain sections of the room will be roped off for the sale. Avoid these areas when being seated. - The sale will be run as a silent auction. Use your membership number as your bid number. ~ Items will be put out in groups. Each item will have a bid sheet with a suggested price. - Members will have 10-15 minutes to view the items and write down their bids. You can bid on

items as many times as you wish. - At the end of each bid period the items and bid sheets will be collected. The member with the

highest bid will be the buyer of the item. - At the end of the sale items will be sorted and members will pay for their purchases.

CRITTER OF THE MONTH: There will be NO critter this month. Leave your a$nals at home.

Upcoming Meetings

March 6: John MoriarlJr: Bullsnake Re-introduction in Hennepin Parks MHS annual meeting and elections.

April 3: Aaron Hampton: Current Help Activities at the St. Louis Zoo

MHS Newsletter, Vol. XII, No. 1 1

1 1

Income: Expenses: Memberships Book sales T-shirts Other sales Raffle White Snake Sale Donations Other

Total

Net Profit (Loss)

3257.00 240. 345.00

98.25 537.25 984.25 893.88 469.56

6225.77

Newsletter

Programs Library Supplies Donations Computer software Bulk Mail Pennit Tax Exempt tiling Other

Statement of Changes in Financial Position

Jan. 1,1991 Cash Balance Plus Income Less Expenses Net Decrease

Dec. 31, 1991 Cash Balance

Placement of Cash

Checking Account Balance Certificates of Deposit Savings Account Balance Cashon Hand

1831.65 500.00 00.00

_50.00 2381.65

3240.19 1366.30 760.00 187.92 127.60 300.00 212.00 150.00 150.00 487.47

6981.48

3137.36 6225.77 6981.48

(755.71)

(755.71) 2381.65

As you can see MHS had a net loss in 1991. We tried to find ways to cut costs, such as bulk mailing of the newsletter and limiting new library books. There were a number of one time expenses for computer software, tax exempt filing, and bulk mail permits. These are items that will help the society now and in the future. There will continue to be expenses above the cost of newsletters. Funds to cover these expenses have to come from either the membership or outside donations.

There are several ways members can provide additional funding so MHS can continue to provide quality infonnation and activities. Without additional support there will be a need to cutback on MHS projects and activities. Members should consider some of the following:

- move up to Contributing or Sustaining membership - donate items for the raffle or the white snake sale - spend generously on raffle tickets and at the white snake sale

MHS Newsletter, Vol. ){II, No.1 2

- make a donation - contribute ideas for a fund raiser - bring refreshments to the meetings - buy MHS products (t-shirts, note cards, books) - get a new member to join and come to meetings = volunteer to help ongoing activities or offer your expertise for a new project - donate an item we can use in running MHS (Le. computers, calculators, etc.)

your employers to contribute or match your donation - it is tax deductible.

cannot afford to run with net losses for very long. The members are ilie Society so put in your two cents, or two dollars worth.

I Object! by Donna Ca1ander

I have to admit iliat after ilie January program I left feeling tnildly disappointed and also a little irritated. I didn't like what seems to be the one universal solution to liability with herps keep 'em hidden. That just solves all my problems! I can't possibly be held liable for the actions of any of my animals because they'll never see another living soul! Ah, be honest. Jake will see them he does all of the maintenance.

I ~mme that m~t people rc@Uzc vrhat moT objection. is to this scenario I don't agree that keeping my herps hidden will help anyone in any way. I strongly object to the implication that I have a hobby deserving of such treatment. It gives the impression that I have something to be ashamed of or that my hobby is illegal that what Jake and I are involved in is wrong. (My mother thinks so, I admit.)

I know, life isn't fair. But such an obvious wrong should not go on unchallenged. If we want to proudly show off our hobby we cannot lurk in dark shadows which only engenders more distrust and uncertainty among those who are not familiar with herps. Unfortunately, there will always be people who cannot tolerate reptiles. That's okay. We all have our various weaknesses and a truly phobic person is by definition irrationally afraid. It is the majority of who are left that we must

and educate. Progress is slow but giving up doesn't get anywhere at all, ever. That's slower than a turtle.

a constrictors.

le£lS12LUon. Unfortunately, legislation will always be an issue. 'VA 'Vk!ULJl.Udl.A~'bI', can be It has an unfortunate

nrn,T -tP.'VIf'T ,p.r>rp1r~ru of

"""'Ji',I">""''''WV'JI..I. I by a to up slack until you are

ready to join into the fray again. isn't it "vvorthwhile when someone who has rigidly refused to touch your reptile fmally reached out a timid finger and touches it, probably at the tail­end, and exclaims, "That's neat!" ?

AfHS lVeH"sietter, Vol .• YII, No.1 3

Critter of the Month

The critter of the month was "Herps that have caused you the most problems". The critters were:

Yukatan Clubtail Uzard - VIi Sacchet . Chorus Frogs - Joe Matzke Nile Monitor - Bill Moss Senegal Chameleon - Dennis Daly Sand Boa - Chase Denes

At the last meeting Toni Jesmer brought sandwiches and Terry Scheiber brought a cake to share with everyone. Thank you, Toni and Terry.

If you'd like to help provide treats a meeting talk to Candy ,,;::up,uall.,.u or Nanette JinlCfson at the meeting to fmd out about needed.

Help a Hapless Herp

Turtle was for adoption last Ali.A'V.AAUA JlU1"-'JiA.V.u.y Stillinger. A Anyone animals to up for adoption .... " ... "" .... A"' .. to the meeting.

Haig = .I..II.,;qA.-U".P'VlL",,"

Eric Hogendorf - turtle Bill Moss - bumper sticker Uti Sacchet - toy animals Marilyn Brooks - bumper stick~rs

.;.v ......... ' ..... "'L-'-'"' Stillinger - poster .I.\7A'-"'o..;:.,V--'- - frog earrings and turtle food

- T-shirt and frog

The proceeds go to help offset operating expenses. Thanks to all who purchased tickets.

AfHS Nel'v'sletter, Vol. ~\7L .No. 1 4

Elections

1992 elections are coming up. Elections will be held at the MHS annual meeting in March. All MHS officers and board positions are up for re-election. Any member in running for an office or nominating someone else should contact John Moriarty at 647-1334 or Ann Porwoll at 489-7853. John and Ann can also provide you with information about the different offices. Listed below are the people who plan to run. More candidates are needed to give these people a little competition.

President

Vice-President

Treasurer

Candidates for MHS Offices

Glen Jacobsen

-vacant-

Marilyn Brooks

Member-at-Large (4 positions) Dennis Daly NancyHaig Bill Moss -vacant-

Corresponding Secretary Michelle Stillinger

Membership. Secretary Connie Delles

Newsletter Editor -vacant-

Authors Needed

MHS is working on a set of basic care sheets for common pet shop herps. The care sheets will be on a similar format to the ones written for the DNR Nongame Wildlife Program last year. The care sheets will be distributed through pet stores, hands-on displays and at meetings.

The care sheets will be on: Anoles, Iguanas, Box Turtles, Aquatic Turtles, Green and Garter Snakes, Rat and King Snakes, and Newts. Anyone interested in helping to write one or more of these, care sheets should contact Michelle Stillinger at 588-4613 or at the meeting.

T -Shirt Designs Wanted

It is time again for a new MHS t-shirt design. The Tenth Anniversary t-shirt was a one time printing. The original t-shirt has been around for eight years. A new design is wanted for use over the next five years.

T-shirts should be based on Minnesota herps, but all species will be considered. Art work needs to be in one color. Finished designs or concepts need to be turned in at the April meeting. If the MHS board decides there are no qualified entries, then the original t-shirt will be reprinted. The winning entry will receive a prize, which will be announced later.

AIHS Newsletter, Vol. x11, No.1 5

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MHS Newsletter, Vol. )111, No. 1

Herp Crossword by DrewNewman

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Crossword Clues

Across

1. Would seem like a good place to buy albino snakes

2. Mean python of the molurus group 3. Snake fmger food 4. Sporting python 5. Sensing organ of snakes 6. Light hearted controversial herp topic 7. Slipping out of something uncomfortable 8. Where some Reticulated Pythons come from 9. Vegetable snake 10. Herper's aquarium or AFH publication 11. Shy snake shelter 12. Nota task for the squeamish 13. monster's Mexican ....,.Ie:."h'iu'&>.

14. Snake one nright think is indigenous to rug warehouses

15. Thrtle tracking device 16. Black color morph or having too many

girlfriends named Melanie 17 Se~ele~5 ~tlake ilaughter 18. Bad choice of substrate 19. Ice cream corn 20. Your snake won't moan if it

infection, checked member royal family is a

1izard ....... ~"'""*"

Nice neonatal nursery 30. venomous

Down

1. Writes herp books we can all afford 2. Good for catching frogs or accessing herp info 3. Male cow snake 4. To invade a snakes privacy 5. Cheap colubrid carrier 6. Where cool lizards lay 7. One you feed and one you don't need 8. Gecko which you can get attached to. 9. Name implies a meal though you probably

wouldn't want to eat one 10. Florida Fauna Festival 11. Cricket seasoning 12. Tiny crickets or irresponsible herper 13. Where herps of almost any description can be

found 14. Prints python propagation proses 15. Did much work with snakes of A PJ1<i.q;;1'rnt:fnn

complex 16. Leopard lizard 17 Rear-fanged colubnd 18. Bacon-faced snake 19. Mild mannered monitor 20. Vicious varanid 21. Abbreviation for veterinarian

U'VJI.'VJl.A.ILUJI.'V name suggests this may a good python for someone named Curt Likes like a mouse, smells like a Getting a female to lay twice a season or a good handling a21!:res~;ive Abbreviation a society of blI'VJI.\z'.!U!.IWl.A.1!.""'UI!J!.JI

minded

leaves White herpers dreams

29. without legs or ears 30. Rotund ranid

special raffle was held at the MHS Holiday Banquet The original pen and ink drawing of a soft shell turtle was won by Bruce Delles. The copperhead plate signed by Roger Conant from his book was won by Barney Oldfield. Congratulations to the vvinners and thanks to everyone for .their support.

AfHS Newsletter, V'oJ. )(11, No . .1 7

Vivariums (Part Two) by Merlin Rosen

Once you determined fue size, shape, and environmental requirements for your vivarium you must begin setting it up. This section will deal with some of the options available to the keeper of "wet" habitat animals such as amphibians and water-preferring reptiles.

Since these types of reptiles require or desire water to or soak in, consideration must be given to an open water area rather than just a water bowl. One option is to partition the aquarium with an additional piece of glass held in place by silicone. (Caution: whenever building or re .. designing animal habitats, remember to use non-toxic aquarium sealant. Many other products can be lethal to your animals. Read the labels!) The portion of the cage designated to water can now be an-anged. Aesthetic pools often have elaborate under gravel aquarium fliters, underwater heaters, live or plastic plants, rock grottoes, live fish for prey or beauty, or any combination of these things. Be sure, in your decorating, that you designate an easy way for your pet to go in and out to assure that it does not drown in trying to exit the pool. Piling rocks or creating a ramp into and out of the pool is essential. Try not to overcrowd fue water area with decorations. Your animal should be able to enjoy it too.

As you arrange the water area thlnk about your animal again. Monitors, turtles, and crocodilians can be very habitat-destru<.-1:ive in captivity because of cage size restrictions. While a beautifully designed pool is good for the observer and the occupant, there are clistinct problems. Rocks smaller than a tea cup saucer can be thrown by digging. Bigger rocks may crack the glass with their weight. Live plants and fish may be consumed or destroyed by aggressive feeders. Gravel is quickly filled with waste matter. Water changes should take place as soon as there is doubt about its drinkability. Yes, your animals will drink and foul this water. Cleaning this type of water area is facilitated by the use of a siphon. .

If this sounds like too much work and money consider the following option. After filling the enclosure 'With the desired substrate) dig out enough of the substrate to allow a plastic clish tub or similar item to be dropped down into the ground. Even though entering the water is simple (the animal just walks into the water). there will still a need for an exit ramp. kind of pool is big enough for a box turtle, small to mediurn iguanas, or large salamanders and frogs. It is relatively easy to clean - just lift it out and wash it. If the substrate is tightly packed it will keep the shape of the tub.

animal, the next decision

Another advantage to sphagnum moss is messes and splashed water. If the arumalS even have to water sphagnum. for animals.

cleaned or

rate. It is ideal for soaking up UlllJli'''''U ... Jl. too much, you may

shedding process

Just as attractive and easily rnaintained as a substrate is a combination of large driveway-type gravel topped with a layer of cypress bark or chips. Cypress is also highly absorbant

AfHS Newsletter, V·oJ. ..<\71, No. J 8

and can actually be washed clean in 1he sink. Excess liquid filters through the chips and settles in the bottom of the enclosure among the gravel. This excess can be siphoned out regularly. Potted plants can be placed down within the gravel and will also help absorb the water. Keep in mind that wood chips should not be pitch-type woods (such as cedar) because the sap often causes problems fot reptiles,

people fmd normal aquarium gravel to a good substrate. It is available in a variety and and is easily washed clean. Water accumulation is siphonable. There are

also people who use soil as a habitat substrate. If this is an option that you would prefer, remember that it must st.erilized prior to its introduction into the vivarium. If not sterilized you run the risk of introducing parasites or bacteria to your animals. Purchase potting soil from the nursery or dig your own soil and bake it:in a glass or other oven -proof container. Check with your veterinarian for specific time and temperature.

Beach sand is not recommended for wet vivariums. If it is ingested by the animal it can impact in the intestines necessitating expensive surgery or lead to painful death. Sand stuck to the sensitive skin of amphibians is also uncomfortable to the animal.

Among artificial substrates, artificial turf and aquarium marbles seem to be the safest and most easily maintained, in this author's experience. These are just a few possibilities. For more ideas check with local experts.

Next time: Dry vivarium techniques. Any comments or ideas? Write M. Rosen 536 Sheldon Dr. Ft. Collins. CO 80521

Information Request

Anyone keeping live reptiles and amphibians is asked to contribute to the annual inventory. Please submit the following infonnation current January 1st of each year.

(I) A complete inventory of 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 be listed using the same format. Example: 1.2.1 + juv. 0.0.5 would read 1 adult male, 2 adult females, 1 adult unknown sex, 0 juvenile males, 0 juvenile females, and 5 juvenile unknown sex.

(2) A list of all species bred in the previous year. Infonnation may be sparse with simple an indication that the taxon was bred during the year, or may detailed including but not limited to copulation dates, egg-laying dates, substrates and temperature used during incubation, light cycles, hibernation, etc. Any type of information up to 3 - 4 paragraphs may be included.

(3) A list of all specimens in your collection which you believe may set longevity records for the species. List date of acquisition, your specimen ID number, estimated age at capture, wild caught or captive bred, living or dead. There is also room for brief notes.

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

(5) sure to list your name, address, and telephone number as you want them to be printed.

Send all information to: Frank L. Slavens. P.O. Box 30744, Seattle, WA 98103.

A1HS Newsletter, Vol. )(]I, No.1 9

1.0.0 = male; 0.1.0 = female; 0.0.1 = unknown

FOR SALE: 2.2 cb and cb (l 0-22-91) Garden phase Amazon Tree Boas, feeding on fuzzy mice and pink rats, $100/pr; 16 2'x2'x9" pine and marlite snake cages, hinged front opening doors, stacked 4 high and 4 wide, nice! Entire unit $450.; Clear plastic boxes, shoe $2. ea. sweater, $6. ea. plus freight. Call Lynn DeVries after 4:00 at (515) 592-2247. (IA)

WANTED' I .ooJdng for entry level position on amgator farm, snake bm)Se or reptile store wm relocate. Resume sent upon request, Bob F. Pierson, 2974 Liberty Ave., Las Vegas, NE 89121 (702) 457-4747. .

WANTED: I need all the shed snake skins in the world - always - to give away at reptile programs. Contact Bob Duerr at (612) 541- 9417.

largest Selection of Reptiles & Amphibians in Minnesota Cages, Books, Feed & Supplies

540 Winnetka Ave. No. Golden Valley, Mn 55427

Bruce Dalles

(612) 593-0298

4056 Central Avenue N. E. .... l1li_111_ Columbia Heights, MN 5542'

PETS & SUPPLIES Tropical and Marine Aquaria

. Garden pools and Aviaries· Food and Supplies for all Pets

PHIL PALAN (612) 781-0805

INSTRUCTIONS: Ads are run as a free service to paid members. Ads for venomous species, .. ' illegal species, or sick animals 'Nill. not be run. MHS takes no.responsibility for legality or health of any 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 ads is limited to 4 typed lines or 1 standard size business card. Deadline for all newsletter items is the of the month. Send all newsletter items to : ATfN: Newsletter Editor, Minnesota Herpetological Society, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. S.B;, Minneapolis, MN 55455·0104.

MHS Newsletter, Vol. XII, No.1 10

~ HERP ASSISTANCE PEOPLE ~ /I II II 1I">i1i""'''T11.rliO an II II II II II II /I II II II II II II II 1/

II II II II II II II Nancy Haig 789-4637 Meltzer 263-7880 II II Barney Oldfield 1-923-4856 Greg Kvanbek 533-7723 II II II II II II Aquatic "'''iiIllr''''PID II " John Moriarty 647-1334 Barney Oldfield 1-923-4856 /I II Ann Porwoll 489-7853 Dennis Daly 633-8370 II II II II II II Min.ncsota Herps II II Greg Kvanbek: ;33-1123 II " John Moriarty 647-1334 II ~=============================================~

CITY ~~ ___ ~~~ _____ _ STATE __ ~ ZIP CODB ____ _

LIST IN MIlS DIRECTORY?

HBRP -RELATED

TYPE OF MEMBBRSHIP? U of MN STUDENT if

__ SUSTAINING .. ~ ..... $60.00 __ INSTITUTION ...... $25.00

15.00

OFFICIAL MHS T -SHIR T - of

10-1

Please enclose payment. IvlAKE CHECKS PAY ABLE TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society. Membership is for 12 months from date of joining. A membership card will be sent by return mail. A receipt v.rill be sent only on request. MAIL TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. S.B., Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104

BELL MUSBUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STRBBT S.B. "MINNBAPOLIS. MN 55455-0104

Mph. MN Pennit No.2275