MINNESOTA

HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY

NEWSLETTER VOL. 17 NO.2

February 1997

Leatherback Sea Thrtle, Dermochelys coriacea IlIustration from Leonard Stejneger's

"Herpetology of Japan and Adjacent Territory"

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Newsletter Volume 17 Number 2 February 1997

Contents

News, Notes & Announcements................................................................................. I Book Reviews.. ....... .... ....... ............... ............... ................. ....... ....... ....... ...... .... ......... ... 3 Leatherback Sea Turtles, Derlllochelys coriacea............ ................ ...... .................. ..... 6 Field Notes: Natural Fakes by Randy Blasus............................................................... 8 MHS Business...... ......... ............... .............. ................... .................. ................. ........... 9 Calendar of Events...................................................................................................... 9 Classified Advertisements........... ......... ...................... ............. ...................... ............. 10

The Minnesota Herpetological Society is a nonprofit organization associated with the:

James Ford Bell Museum of Natural History University of Millllesota

MHS Statement of Purpose: to further the education of the membership and the general public in care and captive propagatiol1of reptiles and amphibians; to educate the membership 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 Editor Immediate Past President Member at Large Member at Large Member at Large Member at Large

Gloria Anton Michael Gaunt George Richard Michelle Stephan Marilyn Blasus John Levell Bill Moss Donna Gaunt Nancy Haig Mark Schmidtke Barbara Radanke

SNAKEBITE EMERGENCY Hennepin Co. Regional Poison Center

(612) 347-3141 Minnesota Poison Control System Local: (612) 221-2113 Out of State: (800) 222-1222

MHS VOICE MAIL:(612) 624-7065 E-mail: rnnherpsoc@aol.com

President: Gloria Anton (612) 420-6158 Vice President: Michael Gaunt (612) 754-8241 Membership Secretary: George Richard (612) 623-7620

MHS SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Education Chair: Sean Hewitt (612) 935-5845 Adoption Chair: Glen Jacobsen (612) 757-8268

Editor: John P. Levell (612) 374-5422

Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter is published monthly by the Minnesota Herpetological Society. Manuscripts and advertisements may be submitted in any fonna~ 3 112 inch IBM or Macintosh compatible disks preferred. The pUblication deadline for ads is always the weekend of the MRS general meeting. Submissions should be sent to: MIlS Editor, cloThe Bell Museum orNatural History, 10 ChurchS!. SE, Minneapo· lis, MN 55455-0104.

© Copyright Minnesota Herpetological Society 1996. Contents may be reproduced for non~proflt use provided that all material is reproduced without change and proper credit is given authors and the MHS

Newsletter citing; volume, number, and date.

MHS Newsletter Volume 17 Number 2

News, Notes & Announcements Upcomin2 Meetin2 Highlights TTie Vice-President's Report By Michael D. Gaunt March Program: Gecko Breeding Guest Speaker: Tim Tytle

Well what can I say ... it's been a great year serving as the MHS Vice-president. I want to thank all who helped me track down names and phone nwnbers for the speakers we've had over the last year. I've had some great suggestions and I hope you'll keep them coming for the next V.P.

I am pleased to announce Tim Tytle as our guest speaker for the March meeting. Tim has been active with herps for nearly 30 years, much ofthat time spent with various gecko species. His primary focus has been on Rhacodacrylus and Pheisllma species, and he has written extensively on their general husbandry and life cycles. If you are familiar with any of the reptile publications on the market, then chances are you've seen some of his work.

It promises to be a great presentation, so be sure to make it to the meeting. I also want to remind everybody that March means elections for the MHS Board of Directors. I encourage anyone who has an interest in serving on the board to come forward and put your name on the ballot. This past year has been a wonderful opportunity to meet with and speak to a wide variety of people closely related to the world of herpetology.

As a final reminder ... since March is a regular meeting (and not some consumer crazed free for all like February), start bring those critters back in for "Critter ofthe Month." See you at the March meeting. MDG

Location: Room 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus Date and Time: March 7, 1997 - 7:00 pm. (see map inside back cover)

Reminder To all MHSMembers The White Pages Committee needs to have all changes returned by March 1st, 1997. Also, the Committee is requesting that anyone with artistic talent please submit artwork for the cover of the 1997 White Pages.

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Thrtle and Tortoise Trust Needs Your Help -Help MHS Too! u.s. artist Leslie Townsend is providing a print and notecards of her original artwork of thc African Leopard Tortoise, Geochelone pardalis, the sales of which will benefit the Turtle & Tortoise Trust (TTT),England. MHS will also receive 10% of each print sold ifMHS is listed on the order form. TTT operates field work in various countries, in addition to co-operating with turtle and tortoise organizations around the world, and works closely with the IUCN and TRAFFIC, the worldwide conservation and moni­toring organizations. TTT carries out a range of research projects relating to captive care, breeding, incubation, disease prevention, diet management, and the classification of tortoise species. None of the research involves experiments on animals and information is readily given to anyone interested. They operate the world's only professional tortoise hospital. Each year hundreds of sick, injured and unwanted turtles and tor­toises receive the help they need from the Trust and various U.S. societies. The prints are reproduced on acid free paper and each is individually signed by the artist. Costofthe print is $50; notecards are $12.00. Print size is 18 x 13.5 inches (paper size 20 x 16 inches) and order forms will be available at the March meeting.

Official Notice of Election Date: Friday, March 7, 1997 Place: Room 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus Time: 7:00 pm Who: All active MRS members in attendance

Board Positions: This is a list of the candidates running for MHS Board of Directors positions in 1997. Many positions still need to be filled. Nominations can be accepted up to the March meeting. In order to be listed on the official Ballot, you need to notify Michelle Hewitt at (612) 935-5845 by March 1st.

President Vice-president Treasurer Recording Secretary Membership Secretary

Editor Member-at-Large (4 open Positions)

George Richard

Marilyn Brooks Blasus Bruce Haig Nancy Haig Mark Schmidtke

Sarah Richard

MRS Newsletter Volume 17 Number 2

MPCA Defends Its Pullback on Frog Research Its work is regulation, not research it says.

State pollution officials spent a great deal of time Wednesday defending their decision to pull back from contin­ued research on Minnesota's defonned frogs. "We are a regulatory institution, not a research institution," Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner Peder Larson told a group of legislators at an orientation meeting at MPCA head­quarters in St. Paul.

He said the MPCA is interested in understanding the cause of the defonnities but will not request more funds from state legislators or continue field work begun last year. Scien­tists found hundreds of defonned frogs in 21 locations in 14 Minnesota counties last year, and they received about 150 more reports from other locations, mostly of frogs with miss­ing, shortened or extra legs.

Larson said the widespread nature of the problem in Minnesota, and similar frog defonnities found in other states, meant that the research should be turned over to federal agencies and universities. "We're not going to have an impact, in mind by putting $100,000 or $150,000 into the direct research," he said. "That's a university's job. We'll support that."

Rep. Willard Munger, DFL-Duluth, said he was dis­appointed that the agency was not following through on the research.

"I would think if the MPCA is interested in protecting the environment, they'd be out front forcing me to find the money instead of me running after them to do something," said Munger, chairman of the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee.

Rep. Jean Wagenius, DFL-Minneapolis, said that MPCA scientists are the first to acknowledge that frogs are good biological indicators of environmental quality, and that whatever is causing their defonnities may be a warning sign for people as well as wildlife.

She noted that the defonned frogs, discovered by Minnesota children near LeSueur in August 1995, have also created a huge amount of interest in schools. "Why are we telling the children that this is not important anymore?" she asked. "That's the message the MPCA is giving them: Chil­dren, you gave us a problem, and now we're going to back off. That's real disturbing."

Tracy Fredin, director of Hamline University's Cen­ter for Global Environmental education, said the MPCA has been a wonderful partner in assisting with A Thousand Friends of Frogs, a program that encourages children and others to report populations of both healthy and defonned frogs and to learn more about environmental issues.

"We've been acting as the eyes and ears for MPCA," Fredin said. The program will continue to collect infonnation

2

when frogs become active again this spring, he said, regardless of whether the MPCA wants to receive the reports.

Fredin said it may be appropriate for other agencies to become more involved in the investigation, but he disagrees with the agency's "fairly abrupt" decision to discontinue research when no other institution is ready to assume respon­sibility. "If a problem is bigger than you thought, you should find the resources and the strategic partners and collaborators to do the work that needs to be done," he said.

Robert McKinnell, a frog biologist at the University of Minnesota who is studying the internal organs of some of the defonned frogs, said that the changing priorities of the MPCA will not affect his commitment to continued research. "Inas­much as frogs seem to be profoundly affected, it's appropriate for the state to maintain a strong interest in the abnonnalities, but I'm not going to tell them what to do," he said.

Larson and other MPCA managers insist that their interest remains high, but that several federal agencies are better equipped and staffed to conduct basic research. One of those agencies, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, based in North Carolina, sent five scientists to confer with MPCA biologists last month.

In response to a reporter's request about possible future research, George Lucier, head ofthe institute's national environmental toxicology program, issued a statement that NIEHS is willing to assist "in providing the very best science that can be applied to assist people in Minnesota in making whatever decisions they need to make."

Other federal agencies interested in some aspects of frog research include the National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wis., and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Editor's Note: The preceding article, written by Tom Meersman, has been reprinted from the Jan. 16. 1997 edition of the Minneapolis Starffribune.

Zoo Book Sales John P. Levell

403 Parkway Avenue N. P.O.80x405 Lanesboro, MN 55949-0405

Phone: (507) 467·8733 Fax: (507) 467-8735 E·Mail: zQobOoks@ptel.net

Naturaf History Books from Around the Worfd

President's Corner * HERE WE GO AGAIN .... two months ago, we put a letter into the newsletter asking members to write to PetSmart about their policies for selling Iguanas. At the same time we applauded Pet Food Warehouse's (PFW) decision to stop selling Iguanas. Unfortunately, PFW has recently been bought by a company in the southwest - Petco - whose corporate attitudes make PetSmart look like a 'good guy." Although several local stores and their employees (who are also MHS members) are a~ainst corporate policies and would like them to cease and desIst, corporate polIcy will prevail and we will be faced with even "cheaper" ($14.99) Iguanas. DIG OUT THAT LETTER and re-address copies to:

Mike Woodward Senior Vice-president PETCO 9125 Reheco Rd. San Diego, CA 92121

Brian Devine Chief Executive Officer PETCO 9125 Reheco Rd. San Diego, CA 92121

You can also add infonnation regarding the climate in Minne­sota - they are planning to put large birds on display (wire cages) RIGHT INSIDE THE FRONT DOORS. It is obvious their animal policies and concerns are geared toward sensa­tionalism and making a $$.

* KUDOS .... I would like to thank new member Heidi Davenport and Clayton Miller. Heidi adopted an Iguana last year wben she was a volunteer at the Golden Valley Humane Society thatMHS COUldn't take because we were "full." Heidi and Clayton have graciously given us $140.00 to help us with expenses for Iguana food. Our Iguanas thank you, our adoption committee thanks you!!! We hope you will enjoy yourmem­bership with MHS and become active partIcipants in the organization. Gloria Anton

A COLORFUL

MRS Newsletter Volume 17 Number 2

Results of the 1997 Photo Contest

This year's photo contest was a success with forty one photos entered. All of the photos were done by members of the society who were amateur photographers.

Many "Thanks" goes out to our judges of the contes~ A.B. Sheldon and Jim Gerholdt, for theIr time and consider­ation. Also greatly appreciated are the businesses who gener­ously donated to the contes~ so we could have neat prizes for the winners. The donors were: Fast Frame, Proex, Ritz, Blockbuster Video, Papa John's Pizza, and the Minnesota Herpetological Society.

The Results of the contest are as follows:

Herps in a Natural Setting 1st Sean and Michelle Hewitt (Corn Snake) 2nd Michael Gaunt (Green Tree Python) 3rd Delvin Jones (Copperhead)

Herps with People 1st Randy Bfasus (Donna Gaunt with Monitor) 2nd Craig and Joan Renier (Boy with Salamander) 3rd Greg K vanbeck (Macho Herper)

Herps Miscellaneous 1st Greg K vanbeck (Dead Garter Snakes) 2nd Nancy Hackirnaki (Santa Gator) 3rd Sean and Michelle Hewitt (Bearded Dragon)

Peoples Choice Karin Rea Hatchling Turtle

Many thanks to the people who took the time to enter their favorite photos. Hopefully, next year's contest will produce even more entertaining entries! Start picking and saving those great shots for next year! Jeff LeClere

THE SOUTH, EA5T, WEST,AND MIDLAND5 OF AMER\C,f\.

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MRS News/etter Volume 17 Number 2

Amphibians & Reptiles of New Mexico. By William G. Degenhardt, Charles W. Painter and Andrew H. Price. 1996. University of New Mexico Press. 431 pp. Hard Cover. $35.00 & Snakes, Lizards, Turtles, Frogs, Toads and Salamanders of New Mexico. AField Guide. By Michael A. Williamson, Paul A. Hyder, and John S. Applegarth. 1994. 176 pp. Sunstone Press. Soft Cover. $19.95. Reviewed By: John P. Levell

One thing that bas always troubled everyone inter­estedin theherpetofauna ofthe southwestern United States has been the almost complete lack of readily available publications on the amphibians and reptiles of this portion of North America. Aside from TIle Venomous Reptiles oj Arizona by Lowe, Schwalbe and Johnson, and Fowlie's long out of print and scarce TIle Snakes oj Arizona, regional guides to the area's herpetofauna have been virtually nonexistent and the only references available have been the general amphibian and reptile identification manuals for the entire western U.S. writ­ten by Robert Stebbins. This long time absence of a complete herpetological monograph for any of the southwestern states has been perplexing to say the leas~ especially considering the diversity of amphibian and reptile species inhabiting the re­gion.

Over the past couple of years, however, two separate books have been published which should help fill this con­spicuous gap in the libraries of those individuals interested in the herpetofauna of the American southwest. Interestingly, both titles focus on the amphibians and reptiles of the same state, New Mexico, but the similarity ends there as the two books differ tremendously in size, fonna~ scope and function.

The frrst of these two publications; Snakes, Licards, Turtles, Frogs, Toads & Salamanders oJNew Mexico, written by Michael Williamson,PaulHyderandJohn Applegartll, was released late in 1994. Despite the somewhat lengthy title, this relatively small (8'/2 x 51/z inches), 178 page paperback is basically a statewide "field guide," a tenn which actually appears on the book's cover but which is not included on it's title page. The concept and overall layout of the book is excellent, featuring short accounts, range maps and color photographs for 122 amphibians and reptiles known to occur in the state. The placement of the photographs within the context of each animal's individual species account greatly facilitates the book's usefulness as an identification tool, a function which is further enhanced by the included dichoto­mous species identification key. While by necessity brief, the text of the individual accounts is for the most part adequate providing information on each species' distribution, habitat preferences and distinguishing characteristics.

The abbreviated text does has it's limitations, how­ever, and the "natural history notes" provided are often con­densed to the point of containing little more than statements such as " eats insects." At the same time sources of potential bewilderment, such as the taxonomic confusion surrounding

4

the Rio Grande or Western River Cooter, are not even men­tioned at all. The brief captive care section and the family reviews are, likewise, of extremely limited value and the pages wasted covering these subjects would have been better utilized extending the individual species accounts where necessary. Misused ormisspelled words (including the word "Ovovivipa­rous" throughout the book and in the glossary) are also fairly abundant, but these are as much a reflection of a poor job of editing on the part of the publisher as mistakes on the part of the authors. Unfortunately, there are a few inaccuracies in the book as well, the most glaring of which is the photograph accompanying the species account for the Big Bend Slider, Trachemys gaigae. While it is impossible to positively iden­tify the species pictured from the photograph provided, one thing is certain - it is definitely not a Big Bend Slider! In spite of these flaws the book should still serve adequately as an "in the field" identification manual, provided the included dis­crepancies are borne in mind.

The second book; Amphibians & Reptiles oj New Mexico, by William Degenhardt, Charles Painter and Andrew Price, wasjust released in August 1996. Unlike it's previously discussed predecessor, this title is a relatively large format (101/4 x 8114 inches) hardcover which examines New Mexico's herpetofauna in truly monographic fashion. Witbin it's 400 and some odd pages, each of the state's 123 amphibians and reptiles are covered in detail with individual species accounts averaging 2 to 21/2pages in length. These individual accounts provide a wealth of information on tbe distribution, descrip­tion, habitat, behavior, reproduction and food habits of each animal, all of it extensively researched and referenced in typical literature cited style. Comments regarding type speci­mens, systematics, and additional remarks are provided as well, and the sources of this material has, likewise, been fully cited where necessary. Naturally, range maps are also included and, while surprisingly similar to those utilized by Williamson et. al., are vastly superior to the maps provided in the earlier publication. Each species is illustrated with at least one color photograph (in some cases more) and these, along with eleven color photos illustrating the various habitat types found in New Mexico, are located as a group in the book's center. While this arrangement does necessitate flipping back and forth to match a species' photo with its text account, it isa cost saving measure which should be greatly appreciated in this time of skyrocket­ing book costs.

Other features of the Amphibians & Reptiles oj New

Mexico include chapters on the physiography and on the history of herpetology in the state, a checklist of species recorded in New Mexico, infonnation on species of question­able occurrence, and brief, but informative, reviews of the amphibian and reptile fanlilies with representative species in the state. Six individual, illustrated identification keys have also been provided, one each for tadpoles and salamander larvae, salamanders, toads and frogs, turtles, lizards, and snakes. Rounding out the book is an extensive bibliography and this, in combination with the informative text, makes the book an exception research tool. All things considered, au­thors Degenhardt, Painter and Price have produced a well written, thoroughly researched volume which easily ranks among the finer regional heIpetology monographs ever pub­lished. In the absence of a comparable volume on the amphib­ians and reptiles of Arizona, it is the only comprehensive publication available on the diverse and long neglected heIpetofauna of the American southwest, and it should remain a worthy edition in any heIpetological library for years to come. At only $15 more than the earlier publication of Williamson, Hyder and Applegarth, the Amphibians & Rep­tiles of New Mexico is a sound investment as well, and it is definitely the volume to purchase if only one of the two can be added to your bookshelf.

Literature Cited:

Fowlie, Jack A. 1965. The Snakes of Arizona. Azul Quinta Press. Fallbrook, CA.

Lowe, Charles H., Schwalbe, Cecil R. and Johnson, Terry B. 1986. VIe Venomous Reptiles of Arizona. Arizona Game & Fish Department. Phoenix, AZ.

Stebbins, Robert C. 1954. Amphibians and Reptiles of Western North America. McGraw-Hill Book Co. New York, MY.

Stebbins, Robert C. 1985. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Co. Boston, MA.

Editor's Note: The preceding book reviews were orginally publishedin the Nov/Dec 1996 issue of Reptile and Amphib. ian Magazine.

5

MHS Newsletter Volume 17 Number 2

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8630 Lynd~l\:! Avenue South. Bloomington, MN 55420

TEL: 884-3228 • FAX: 884-7357 f.A. Sweeney DVM W.H. Sweeney DVM

Hospital Hours M·T-W·T 8:00 AM TO 9:00 PM FRIDAY 8:00 AM TO 6:00 PM SATURDAY 8:00 AM TO 1:00 PM

Please Ask hI/' Dr. Weha

MRS Newsletter Volume 17 Number 2

Leatherback Sea Thrtles, Dermochelys coriacea U.S. Fish Wildlife Service and and the

National Marine Fisheries Service.

The Leatherback TurUe was listed as endangered throughout its range on June 2, 1970. Nesting populations of Leatherback Sea Turtles are especially difficult to discern because the females frequently change beaches. However, current estimates are that 20,000-30,000 female Leather­backs exist worldwide.

Leatherbacks do not nest frequently enough in the United States to assess an accurate trend. The recovery plan for the Leatherback Sea Turtle concludes that nesting trends in the United States appear stable, but the population faces significant threats from incidental take in commercial fisher­ies and marine pollution.

Populations have declined in Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago. While nesting activ­ity has also declined in French Guiana due to erosion of nesting beaches, the population there has shifted to Surinam, where annual numbers of nests have risen from less than 100 in 1967 to 5,565 in 1977 and 9,816 in 1987. Habitat destruc­tion, incidental catch in commercial fisheries, the harvest of eggs and flesh are the greatest threats to the survival of the Leatherback.

Biology: The Leatherback is the largest living turtle, and is so distinctive as to be placed in a separate taxonomic family, Dermoche1yidae. The carapace is distinguished by a rubber­like texture, about 4 cm thick, and made primarily of tough, oil-saturated connective tissue. No sharp angle is formed between the carapace and the plastron, resulting in the animal being somewhat barrel-shaped. The average curved carapace length for adult turtles is 155 cm and weight ranges from 200-700 kg. Hatchlings are dorsally mostly black and are covered with tiny scales; the flippers are margined in white, and rows of white scales appear as stripes along the length of the back. Hatchlings average 61.3 mm long and45.8 g in weight. In the adul~ the skin is black and scaleless. The under-surface is mottled pinkish-white and black. The front flippers are pro­portionally longer than in any other sea turtle, and may span 270 cm in an adult. In both adults and hatchlings, the upper jaw bears two tooth-like projections at the premaxillary­maxillary sutures. Age at sexual maturity is unknown.

Distribution: The Leatherback TurUe' s range extends from Cape Sable, Nova Scotia, south to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Critical habitat for the Leatherback includes

6

the waters adjacent to Sandy Poin~ St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, up to and inclusive of the waters from the hundred fathom curve shoreward to the level of mean high tide with boundaries at 170 42' 12" Nand 64050'00" W. Nesting occurs from February - July with sites located from Georgia to the U.S. Virgin Islands. During the summer, Leatherbacks tend to be found along the east coast of the U.S. from the Gulf of Maine south to the middle of Florida.

Leatherbacks are commonly seen by fishennen in Hawaiian offshore waters, generally beyond the 100-fathom curve but within sight ofland. Sightings often take place off the north coast of Oahu and the Kana coast of Hawaii. North of the Hawaiian Islands, a high seas aggregation of Leatherbacks is known to occur at 350-450 N, 1750-180Ow.

Human bnpacts on Leatherback Sea Turtles

1) Impacts in the nesting environment

1. Historically, Leatherback Turtles were rarely taken for their meat. However, a few have been killed in recent years. In Puerto Rico, adults are occasionally taken for meat and oil. In addition, the poaching of eggs from nests continues at low levels in the U.S. Virgin Islands and is widespread in Puerto Rico.

2. Leatherback Turtles prefertonest on open beaches. However, these beaches are prone to erosion, causing egg loss. Nests are also lost to hurricanes.

3. Development ofbeachfronts results in fortification to protect property from erosion, resulting in loss of a dry nesting beach. It can also prevent females from getting to nesting sites and wash out nests.

4. Beach nourishment impacts turtles by burial of nests and by disturbance to nesting turtles.

5. Artificial lights can cause disorientation or misorientation of both adults and hatchlings. Turtles are attracted to light, ignor­ing or coming out of the ocean to go towards a light source. This increases their chances of death orinjury. In addition, as nesting females avoid areas with intense lighting, highly developed areas may cause problems for turtles trying to nest.

6. Mechanical raking can result in heavy machinery repeatedly moving across a nest and compacting sand as well as causing tire ruts which may hinder or trap hatchlings. Rakes can pen­etrate the surface and disturb or uncover a nest. Disposing of debris on the high beach can cover nests and may alter nest temperature.

7. The most serious threat of nighttime use of a beach is the disturbance of nesting females. Heavy utilization of nesting beaches by humans may also result in lowered hatchling suc­cess due to sand compaction.

8. The placement of physical obstacles on a beach can hamper or deter nesting attempts as well as interfere with incubating eggs and the movement of hatchlings to the sea.

9. The use of off-road vehicles on beaches is a serious problem in many areas. It may result in decreased hatchling success due to sand compaction, or directly kill hatchlings. Tire ruts may also interfere with the ability of hatchlings to get to the ocean.

II) Impacts in the marine environment

I. Leatherbacks become entangled in longlines, fish traps, buoy anchorlines and other ropes and cables. This can lead to serious injuries and/or death by drowning. The setting of "large mesh nets suitable for turtling" is common in the waters of Puerto Rico. Although the practice was outlawed in 1984, it still continues. The nets are intended for hawksbills and green turtles, but Leatherbacks occasionally become entangled.

2. Leatherback Turtles eat a wide variety of marine debris such as plastic bags, plastic and styrofoam pieces, tar balls, balloons and plastic pellets. Effects of consumption include interference in metabolism or gut function, even at low levels of ingestion, as well as absorption of toxic byproducts. NMFS is currently analyzing stranding data and available necropsy information to determine the magnitude of debris ingestion.

3. It is estimated that before the implementation of TEDs, the offshore commercial shrimp fleet captured about 640 Leather­backs a year. Of those captured, approximately 160 died, and many others were injured as a result of the difficul ty of handling such a large animal on the deck of a shrimp boat. The use of TEDs is not expected to reduce Leatherback captures and mortality Significantly, because TEDs are generally incapable of passing adult Leatherbacks through the exit opening.

4. Leatherbacks are vulnerable to boat collisions and strikes, particularly when in waters near shore. It is not known if open ocean collisions with large ships occur.

5. Marine turtles are at risk when encountering an oil spill. Respiration, skin, blood chemistry and salt gland functions are affected.

7

MRS Newsletter Volume 17 Number 2

Leatherback Sea Turtle Recovery Efforts

NMFS approved and distributed a final recovery plan for Leatherback Sea Turtles in the Atlantic Ocean in 1992. For a copy of the recovery plan, write to:

National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Protected Resources Endangered Species Division - Recovery Plans 1335 East-West Highway, 6th Floor Silver Spring, MD 20910-3226

Recovery Actions

The major points outlined in the recovery plan are:

* Identify and ensure long-tenn protection of important nest­ing beaches.

* Identify important marine habitat.

* Monitor trends in nesting activity on important nesting beaches with standardized surveys.

* Evaluate nest success and implement appropriate nest pro­tection measures.

* Implement measures to reduce capture and mortality in the shrimp trawl fishery.

* Evaluate extent of entanglement in and ingestion of marine debris.

* Implement and enforce MARPOL.

* Analyses of sea turtle strandings have been conducted to monitor the levels of strandings and possible causes of mortal­ity.

Recovery Goals

The goal of the recovery plan is to delist the U.S. population of Leatherback Turtles. Delisting would be considered when the following conditions are met:

I. The adult female population increases over the next 25 years, as evidenced by a statistically significant increase in the number of nests at Culebra, Puerto Rico; St. Croix, US VI; and along the east coast of Florida.

2. Nesting habitat encompassing at least 75% of nesting activity in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Florida is in public ownership.

3. All priority 1 tasks have been successfully implemented.

MHS Newsletter Volume 17 Number 2

Field Notes: "Natural Fakes" by Randy Blasus

Living in Minnesota many of us bave heard of the "dangerous" blowsnakes that inhabit many parts of our state. However, almost as many also recognize that this animal is one of Minnesota's fabulous fakes. Both the Eastern Hognose, Heterodon platirhilws, and the Western Hognose, Heferadon nasiclIs nasicus, are famed for their acting skills.

When one pauses for thought on this bizarre defense strategy (that is really an offensive one), questions arise as to its origin in this form. Some may compare tbe bebaviorto tbat of any of the Cobra family (Naja sp.) and present tbe Hognose asamimic. ltis, however, a defense strategy as old as life itself.

In the quest for survival, some prey animals found a good advantage by making the potential benefactor question their real position on the food chain. In this, many species over a wide spectrum of genera have evolved ways to fake out the competition. As an example, not only has the fore mentioned species utilized this surprise tactic, butmem bers of a definitely non-reptile group have. The larvae of the Tiger Swallowtail, Plerourus glauclIs, also has an alternate personality.

On one occasion I had the chance to observe the behavior of this interesting creature. The caterpillar of this butterfly is about two inches long and is of a uniform brown color (green when fully mature). Several small dots are located on the dorsal lateral portions of its body along with two large yellow colored eye-like spots between the third and fourth segments. When disturbed, this creature raises the forward third of its body and tucks its vulnerable head closer to its legs. This causes the large spots to be foremost and to appear as if they are eyes on the head of another, larger creature looking right at you! This larvae also has the habit of weaving side to side to appear even more menacing. Personally, I don't know how effective this would be agains~ say a Crow, however selective pressure from some front must have pushed this species into this bebavior mode.

The exact mechanism that generates this behavior is conceived in an innate stimulus/response system evolved from a distant ancestor. At some paint in the evolution of these species, certain individuals displayed an aggressive behavior to ward off certain life-threatening situations. Those that used a successful adaptation were to live on. Those that did not were weeded out through selective pressure. The response may have formed to combat a specific threat that no longer exists. In such cases the behavior may no longer be successful in promoting the continuation of a species. A current example of this may be seen in hatchling sea turtles. The turtles, upon hatching, have been conditioned to head for the light over the open ocean. The installation of incandescent lighting on those nesting beaches confuses the animals sense of direction and causes them to crawl the wrong direction. However, as the animal has not yet been extirpated, one would hope that man can rectify this situation before the last turtle crosses the beach.

Another interesting facet of these defensive behav­iors, is their variability. On one occasion I had the good fortune to witness the tale of two Eastern Hognose Snakes that had been brought back for photos. lt seems that one animal immediately rolled and began to thrash around while the other

8

did not react as easily. Differences in each animal's act was also noted. One was more prone to prolonged bouts of hissing before its death display, while the other would roll over quite easily. One of these animals displayed well even when left undisturbed for long periods while the other became more tolerant to human interference. In fact some Hognose Snakes become so accustomed to human activity while in captivity, they will seldom if ever display. This shows that even though the behavior may be inborn, individuals, at least of the higher species, have differing levels of tolerance to certain stimulus and can adapt accordingly.

As we go abroad each day many of nature's miracles happen around us. Smal! dramas are played out in the leaf pile in the backyard. Most such phenomena go unnoticed by us in our hurried pace of life. However, if more of us, even somewhat environmental! y aware people "stopped to smel! the roses" then maybe our appreciation of life would grow that much stronger.

References: Pyle, Robert Michael. 1981. National Audubon SOCiety Field Guide to North American Butterflies.

• Reptiles' Amphibians' Invertebrates' Small Mammals' Fish' Birds' Complete Una of Cages, Food. Books & Supplies for ALL Animals

&

2363 University Ave. W., SI. Paul, MN 55114 (612) 647- 4479

At Least Seven "Orphaned" Green Iguanas areas yet unadapted and are in

need of good homes. An African Rock Python and one BurmesePython are also still available. These animals are of various sizes, dispositions, and physical condition, and may be adopted by anyone including out-of-state individuals. Ship­ping charges may apply. If you are willing and able to provide good care for a homeless animal please contact Glen Jacobsen at (612) 757-8268 ASAP. Glen "Jake" Jacobsen

MHS Newsletter Volume 17 Number 2

M. .S.Business February Board Meeting Highlights By Michelle Hewitt, Recording Secretary

The MHS Board of Directors met on Feb. 8,1997 at the U ofM Student Union. A quorum was present. The Board took the following actions:

There will be an Occasional Paper sent out for each membership. It was decided that Budget Printing had the cheapest costs for printing and assembly. Also, the board approved spending $0.79fcopy for 750 copies to be printed. Unanimous.

All committee heads were asked to tum in their hours to Mark Schmidtke.

A motion was made to spend up to $75 to purchase mugs for this year's participation awards. Unanimous vote.

Nancy presented a notebook to each board member that had infonnation that would help all new and old board members. A few revisions were made, but it should be ready for the new board in March.

The idea of charging $5 for non-commercial mem­bers to put their business card in the newsletter was discussed.

The idea of putting MHS on theInternet was dis­cussed. Anyone interested in helping should contact a board member.

Artwork is needed for the cover of the White Pages. Please see me with any submissions.

Presented and accepted: Treasurer's report, member­ship report, and Secretary's report.

January 1997 Treasurer's Report Prepared by Marilyn Brooks Blasus

Beginning Checkbook Balance:

Income: Membership 465.00 Raffle 67.75 Sales 504.95 Donation 681.48 Fines Other 12.15

Total Income:

Expense: Newsletter Misc. Printing/Postage Program Library Books Supplies Refreshments Other

Total Expense:

Net IncomelLoss: Ending Checkbook Balance:

376.34 41.87 50.00 81.09 0.00

15.00 143.45

Funds Allocated to Unpaid Expenses: Funds Available:

Conservation Fund Balance:

4,484.59

1,731.33

707.75

1,023.58 5,508.17

0.00 5,508.17

183.56

Calendar of Events

Mar. 7, 1997 MHS General Meeting. Speaker: TIM TYTLE. Topic: BREEDING GECKOS. Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus. 7 pm.

Mar. 21-23,1997 2nd Annual Midwest Exotic Pet Seminars. Hyatt Regency Woodfield. Schaumberg, IL. For more info Contact: MEPS cfo J .B. Broederle, DVM. Burnham Park Animal Hospital, Chicago, IL. 60605, (312) 663-9200.

Apr. 4, 1997 MHS General Meeting. Speaker: TO BE ANNOUNCED. Borlaug Hall, U ofM St. Paul Campus. 7 pm.

June 2S-July 2,1997 77th Annual Meeting of the American Society ofIcthhyologists and Herpetologists. University of Washington, Seattle, WA. For more info Contact: Robert E. Espinosa, Dept. ofBiol.f314, University of Neveda, Reno, NY 89557-0015, (702) 784-4565, Fax (702) 784-1369, E-mail espin _r@unr.edu.

Aug. 2-10, 1997 3rd World Congress on Herpetology. Prague, ZbynekRocek, Dept. of Paleontology, Acad. of Sciences, Rozvojova 135, 16500 Prague 6 -SucMol, Czech Republic. Phone 422-24311421, Fax 422-24311578, E-mail rocek@gli.cascz.

Oct. 17-19, 1997 13th Annual Midwestern Herpetological Symposium. Canterbury Inn, Shakopee, MN.

9

MRS Newsletter Volume 17 Number 2

Classified Advertisments 1.0.0 = male, 0.1.0 = female, 0.0.1 = unsexed, c.b. = captive bred, o.b.o. = or best offer

For Sale: 0.0.1 African Spur-thighed Tortoise, Geoehelone suleata dirgii, c.b.6/94. 10 Ibs, 15" carapace. Favorite mathmatical expres­sion &mc2. bas been trained to recite Shakespeare outside during warm summer months. $350. Call Todd Daniels (507) 365-8081.

Giant Day Geckos, Phelsuma madagasearensis grandisc.b. 51 22/96, $40. Call Craig at (612) 934-7239

Captive bred adult male Namib Desert Geckos, Chondrodaetylus angulifer, $80.00. Call Matt (612) 781-5871

0.1.0 Blue Tongued Skink, Tiliquia gigas, $150.00, preferably to a breeder. 1.1 c.b. Peacock Day Geckos $80.00, also preferably to a breeder who has time. Please call Jayde, witb any questions (612) 731-9350.

0.1 yearling Northern Blue-tonguedSkink, 1.1 adult Argentine Snakeneck Turtles or trade for snakes. Also 36" and 24" used Neodesba cages. Call Mark (3200 202-9871.

2.1 Adult Leopard Tortoises $650. Also 1.1 Adult Redfoot Tortoises $250. All healthy, long ternl captives. Call Mark (612) 822-7996.

0.1 Varanus albigularis (White-throated Monitor, Approx. 3 ft. $150 o.b.o. Will consider trade for python orboa. Alsocage 18"x 18"x5ft. $100. Contact Emily or Tyler (612) 466-2439

0.1.0, c.b. Adult Green Iguana, approx. 31/2 ft. Including many extras: large kennel, heat rock and heat lights, $150 o.b.o. Contact Lisa (612) 545-8669 or (512) 342-5553.

1.0 Dumeril's Boa, Aeralltophis dumerili, c.b. babies 10/95. Feeding well on small mice. $250 Call Connie or John (612) 374-5422

Rabbits -Fryer size, current listed market price. Discounts for orders of 6 or more. Rat size $1.50 ea. or 6 for $7.50. Adults $2 ea when available. All sizes currently available. Call Jim Daluge (612) 295-2818.

Wanted: ALL THE SHED SNAKE SKINS IN THE WORLD, Always, to use at hands-on programs to give to kids. Bob Duerr (612) 541-0362.

10

Herp related news clippings, original articles, artwork, car­toons, etc. for publication in theMHS Newsletter. Autbors and artists will receive compensation in the fOrnl of volunteer hrs, good towards one "priceless" MHS coffee mug. Send submis­sions to: MN Herp. Soc.! Editor, do Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104.

Miscellaneous: BREEDING INVENTORY SURVEY: Everyone keeping live reptiles and ampbibians is asked to contribute to this annual report. Please submit the following info current Jan. 1st of each year: (I) Inventory of collection, list numbers and sex, (2) list of all species bred during the previous year, (3) any longevity records, (4) please print clearly; your name, address and telephone number as you want them listed, (5) please do respond. Send info to: Frank Slavens, P.O. Box 30744, Seattle, WA 98103. Fax: (206) 546-2912.

SEA TURTLE SUR VIV AL LEAGUE, announces its' line of eco-promoting sea turtle mercbandise, for a free catalog write: Sea Turtle Survival League, P.O. Box 2866, Gainesville, FL 32602-2866 or call (800) 678-7853.

MHS Rodent Sales Mice

Pinkies $6.00 dozen Fuzzies $6.00 dozen Hoppers $7.50 dozen Adults $9.00 dozen

Rats

Small Pups $lO.OO dozen Large Pups $15.00 dozen Adults $12.00 six

$24.00 dozen

For pickup at monthly meetings only. Orders must be placed at least one week in advance of date of meeting at which frozen rodents are to be delivered. Place orders with Tina Cisewski at (612) 856-2865.

MHS Merchandise: In addition to rodents, the MHS offers an assortment of herp related sales items including; books, magazines, posters, t-sbirts, notecards, buttons, stick­ers, decals, and patches. Look for tbe merchandise sales area at tbe far right side of the meeting room. Transactions can be handled before the meeting, during the break, or after the meeting as time pernlits.

All proceeds from MRS rodent and merchandise sales go toward the operating costs of the society such as: speaker fees, library purchases, charitable donations, etc. The MRS is a completely volunteer run, non-profit organiza· tion.

Advertising Rates and Instructions

Classified Ads: Are run free of charge to paid members. Non~rnember

rates are ten cents per word, per month. Adsmay nm three (3) consecutive months, after which time they may be re-submitted. Business Cards: Institutional members may nlll one standard sized business card free of charge. Non-memberrate for standard sized business cards is $5.00 per month. Display and Expanded Size Ad Rates: Ad Size Month 3+ Months 1/4 Page $10.00 $7.50 1/2 Page $20.00 $15.00 Page $40.00 $25.00 (All prices are per month)

6+ Months $5.00 $10.00 $15.00

Submissions: All advertisements should he submitted to the; MHS Editor, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society. MHS Ad Policy: The MHS assumes NO RESPONSffiILlTY regarding the legality or health of any animal, or the quality or legality of any product or service advertised in the "MRS Newsletter. Any admay be rejected at the discretion of the Newsletter Editor. Due to space limitations Unpaid and Complimentary advertisements are subject to occasional omission.

Location of MRS Monthly Meetings

Amphibian & Reptile Information

Specific questions concerning amphibians and reptiles are best answered by contacting the following individuals at the numbers provided. Please remember to be reasonable about the time of day and how frequently you call.

Amphibians & Reptiles in Minnesota Greg Kvanbeck (612) 533-7723 John Moriarty (612) 647-1334

Large Boas & Pythons Karl Hennann (612) 730-6265 Glen Jacobsen (612) 757-8268 Terrestrial Turtles John Levell (507) 467-3076 Glen Jacobsen (612) 757-8268 Amphibians Greg Kvanbeck (612)533-7723 John Meltzer (612) 263-7880 Crocodilians Jeff Lang (701) 772-0227

1694

Av.

Other Snakes John Meltzer (612) 263-7880 Jeff LeClere (612) 488-6388 Aquatic Turtles Gary Ash (612) 753-0218 JohnLevell (612) 374-5422 Lizards Nancy Haig (612) 434-868 Bill Moss(612)488:1383

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194

I L' ofM St Pallli

MINNESOTA

HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

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

ADDRESS CORRECl1ON REQUES1B)

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