MINNESOTA

HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY

NEWSLETTER Vol. 17 No.9 SEPTEMBER 1997

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY Newsletter Volume 17 Number 9

September 1997

The purpose of the Mitmesota Herpetological Society is to : • further the education of the membership and the general public in care and captive propagation of

reptiles and amphibians; • educate the members and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles and amphibians; • promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.

MHS Board of Directors President Vice president Recording Secretary Membership Secretary Treasurer Newsletter Editor Member at Large Member at Large Member at Large Member at Large Member at Large

Herp Assistance

George Richard Barbara Radanke Bruce Haig Mark Schmidtke Marilyn Blasus Nancy Haig Fred Bosman Scott Larson James Rea Sarah Richard Roger Statz

(612) 639-6368 (612) 291-1132 (612) 434-8684 (612) 481-0127 (612) 925-4237 (612) 434-8684 (612) 476-0306 (612) 434-6453 (612) 457-8107 (612) 639-6326 (612) 424-8816

Specific questions concerning amphibians and reptile are best answered by contacting the following individuals. Please be reasonable alxmt the time of day and how frequently you call.

Large Boas and Pythons Glen Jacobsen (612) 757-8268J

Terrestrial Turtles Fred Bosman John Levell

Lizards Nancy Haig Bill Moss

Amphibians Greg Kvanbeck John Meltzer

Special Committees: Adoption Chair

Sarah Richard

(612) 476-0306 (507) 467-3076

(612) 434-8684 (612) 488-1383

(612) 533-7723 (612) 263-7880

(612) 639-6326

Snakebite Emergency Hennepin Co. Regional Poison Center (612) 347 - 3141 Minnesota Poison Control System Local: (612) 221-2113 Out of State: (800) 222 - 1222

Other snakes Jeff LeClere John Meltzer

Aquatic Turtles Gary Ash John Levell

Crocodilians Jeff Lang

(612) 488-6388 (612) 263-7880

(612) 753-0218 (507) 467-3076

(701) 772-0227

Amphibians and reptiles itl Mitmesota Greg Kvanbeck (612) 533-7723 John Moriarty (612) 4828109

Education Chair Sean Hewitt (612) 935-5845

MHS Voice Mail (612) 624 -7065 E-mail: mnherpsoc@aoI.com Internet: http://www.onrampinc.netjmhs/

The tvlirmesoia Herpetological Society NewsleHer is published monthly by the Minnesota HerpetolOgical Society. Publication deadline is the weekend of the general meeting. Submissions should be sent to: MHS Editor, c/o The Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE" Minneapolis" MN 55455~0104 Printed on recyded paper.

© Copyright Minnesota Herpetological Society 1997. Contents may be reproduced for non-profit use provided that all material is reproduced without change and proper credit is given authors and the MHS Newsletter citing; volume, munber, and date.

MHS Newsletter Volume 17 Number 9

News, Notes & Announcements Upcoming Meeting Highlights The Vice-Presidellt's Report By Barbara Buzicky Radanke

October Program: Frogs as Bio-Indicators Quality of Wetlands

Guest Speaker: Mark Gernes

LOCATION: Borlaug Hall Room 335, U of M. st. Paul Campus

DATE/TIME: October 3, 1997 7:00 PM

This month's speaker will be Mark Cernes who is a research biologist with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. He has been working in the field for several years on some major research projects. Since working in the Water Quality division at the MN PCA, he has been determining the quality of Minnesota's wetlands by using bia-indicators, mainly frogs. As we all tend to believe, animals in the wild and their decreasing nrnnbers in certain regions can be directly correlated to the quality of our environment.

He will have some very interesting material to go over with us at the meeting. After his talk, he will field questions about the deformed frog situation and update us on research results, although this will not be his primary topic.

Let us all give Mark a very warm welcome for joining us at the general meeting. I hope everyone will enjoy the meeting. See you there!!

BAR

Conservation Organizations and Projects Wanted

One of the purposes of the MHS is to promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians. The Board of Directors will be reviewing our monetary donations in the next few months. If you would like to suggest a certain organization or project please contact a board member and give them the full name and address of the group. Any additional information concerning their activities would also be helpful.

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Volunteers Needed

Herp Assistance is looking for someone with experience with large Boas and Pythons who is willing to answer telephone calls from the public or other members. Most calls will deal with husbandry questions, when to see a vet, or how to get rid of the animal. If you would like to know more about the details of handling this position call one of the herp assistance people listed in the front of the newsletter.

We also need someone willing to take over the small item sales at the general meeting. Gary Ash, who has been doing this for several years needs a break.

Marilyn Brooks is stepping down as Holiday Banquet Chairperson. The preparations for the banquet usually start in November. They entail reserving the room, organizing the potluck, decorations and set-up and clean-up of the room. If someone is interested in taking up the challenge contact Marilyn (612) 925-4237 for further details.

If you are interested in helping out, please contact a board member and let them know. Thanks

Volunteers are also needed for the 13th Annual Midwest Symposium

We need general volunteers to help out with the Midwest Symposium. Duties would include helping with set-up and clean-up, maintaining hospitality suite supplies, registration tables and door checking (a great way to meet people). We need several people to help with the video/slide equipment during the talks as well as extra people to call upon for help if something unexpected comes up. We also need some Vinnies/ValUlas to help with the auction presentation. Contact Bill Moss (612) 488-1383 and join in the fun!

MHS Newsletter Volume 17 Number 9

Presidential Pabulum

By George Richard - MHS President

Well fall is here again, people are going back to school and the attendance at Herp society meetings is up again, the cycle continues. Preparations for the Midwest Symposium are in full swing and once again it looks as though MHS will be the host with the most (at least according to registrations so far). There are still plenty of great opportunities to get involved at the Midwest and you'll find a few of them elsewhere in this newsletter. I invite anyone who can to volunteer, remember, you'll get out of it what you put into it, so let's have a great symposium.

On a slightly different note, the Iguana situation is still under discussion and debate. There seems to be some misunderstanding in that somehow it has been inferred that I "don't want anyone to have or sell Iguana's". This is not true. I have in the past had Iguana's as pets (and may again in the future).What I take exception to is selling unsuitable animals to an ill-informed and often sometimes misled public, the dissemination of poor, inadequate and dangerous products, and ill-treatment or mistreatment of animals. Iguana's are one of the most visible "exotic" pets, unfortunately they're not easy to care for properly and are being imported and sold in larger numbers every year. This creates a large supply of sick, abandoned Iguanas.

With the number of animals coming to us through private parties and the various animal control agencies we must take an interest in this problem and attempt to find a solution before it becomes much larger. The increased interest in reptiles and their more widespread acceptance as pets has had many positive benefits. There is also as pointed out in the letter to the editor last month "a down side". I believe that if we do not actively work for and try and find a solution, when the problem becomes large enough, eventually one will be legislated for us.

Since this is both a broad reaching and serious issue I have decided to ask for volunteers to form a committee on the problem. Since often committee's have a way of bogging down and unfortunately not reaching conclusions, this committee will be charged with two specific tasks. 1). formulating a rough draft position paper for addressing the Iguana/Pet trade problem and present it to the board prior to the Midwest and 2). Hosting a panel at the Midwest symposium presenting a proposed course for the MHS and possibilities of coordinating with other groups and societies.

It is my hope this committee will represent a wide and diverse cross section of the MHS membership and be able to arrive at a consensus.

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If you have any desire to serve with this committee please call me at 639-6368 during the day (or leave a message) or speak with me with me before the Board Meeting 10/4/97.

That's about all for this month, enjoy tl,e fall, and I'll see you at the Midwest!

GWR

September's "Critter of the Month" VemGrassel VeiledChameleon

ChameIeo mlyptratus

Noah Anderson Grey Tiger Salamander Ambystoma tigrillUI1l

diabali Leopard Frog

Rana pipiens

Melissa Grand Brown Anole Anolis sag rei

Thanks to Raffle Donors Tony Gamble Randy & Marilyn.

Brian Ingbretson

Dick Palmatier

Print Bookmark & Magazine Hot Rock Fauna Magazine Frog toys Hexagonal tank 30 +/- gal tank Cage rugs Light

Help A Hapless Herp Finding homes this month were:

1 Desert Kingsnake 1 Gulf Coast Box Turtle 1 Map Turtle 1 Iguana (yea!)

a total of 4 animals found good homes

Still needing a home: 15 Iguanas 1 small Burmese Python 1 Reticulated Python 2 Common Boas 1 African Rock Python 2 Snapping turtles 1 yellow eared slider 1 red eared slider

Thanks everyone who applied for animals. For information concerning the adoption program

see the article on page 6. NLH

MHS Newsletter Volume 17 Number 9

General Meeting Review Insectivorous Lizards Speaker: Ty Parks

Ty is affiliated with Mid-America Reptiles Inc., a reptile breeding business in Chicago which he refers to as "the farm". They have been very successful in the past few years in breeding Jeopard geckos (5,000 last year), bearded dragons ( both pogona vitticeps and "vittikins"), northern blue tongued skinks, nine species of chameleons, frilled dragons, spur thighed tortoises and leopard tortoises among other animals. Ty is very interested in sharing his knowledge of which animals are appropriate as pets for the general public with other members of the pet trade.

Ty offered many tips on providing the appropriate environment for pet reptiles within the home environment:

Caging considerations should include the size and number of individuals to be housed, their arboreal versus terrestrial habits, and hwnidity needs.

The cage location within the house must be selected with attention to the occupant's needs; such as arboreal animals are happier if they are above eye level, cages should never be in the kitchen or near doors, vents, or windows which can cause rapid changes in temperature and light levels.

The cage set-up can be either clinical (providing the minimum needs for heat, water hide spaces, etc.) or natural depending on the space available and the maintenance the owner is willing or able to provide.

The cage set-ups that Ty uses at " the farm" are very clinical to facilitate the healthy maintenance of large numbers of animals.

The leopard gecko breeding cages are 24"X16"X6" high with a calcium sand substrate, a water dish, heat tape and humidity box. Although these lizards come from a desert envirorunent, they actually spend a lot of time below the soil where the humidity is relatively high. The calcium sand is occasionally ingested with their insect food and supplements their diet. Five to seven individuals are housed in each cage with one male and the rest females.

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By Bruce Haig Recording Secretary

The bearded dragons are kept in 36"X24"X8" cages with a sand and mulch combination substrate and a heat lamp. The sand and mulch substrate provides a level of humidity that they need.

The veiled chameleons are kept in 23"X16"X12" cages with branches and plastic plants to climb around on but nothing on the to facilitate cleaning.

Cage lighting can not come close to the intensity of natural sunlight but can simulate the natural wave lengths necessary for the animal's health. There are three ways that light quality is measured:

Correlated color temperature (CCf) described in degrees Kelvin where 5,900 0 K equals sunlight, refers to the temperature at which heated metal emits light of the appropriate frequency range

Color rendering index (CRI) describes how closely the colors observed under artificial lights resemble those observed under sunlight where sunlight has a CRI of 100. A Vitilight has a CRI of 91 and an incandescent bulb has a CRI of 98

Spectral power distribution which describes the intensity of light at various wavelengths.

Ty recommended the ZooMed 5.0 florescent bulb as offering the best UVB wavelength range for natural vitamin 03 synthesis as measured by it's spectral power distribution. A new Sylvania 2096 tube will be available soon with a most intense UVB frequency of 296 nm, in the middle of the optimum range of 290 nm to 300 nm for vitarnin B3 synthesis.

Water should only be provided to the animals during their active periods and dishes should be allowed to dry thoroughly between times to minimize bacteria counts. Daily spraying works well along with drip systems for chameleons. In a pinch, an icc cube on top of the cage will work as a simple drip system.

Humidity should be maintained at the lower end of the ranges needed for the animals, also to minimize bacteria problems. Levels of 35% to 70% seem to work well for most animals.

MHS Newsletter Volume 17 Number 9

Notes on Bullsnakes (Pituophis) And Their Captive Propagation

The Bullsnake (Pituophis calel/ifer sayi) is a large full bodied snake with a series of black, brown or reddish blotches. They range in size from 37" to 72" in length with a record of 100". A part of the Pine Snake complex, this subspecies (P. c. sayi) occurs through the majority of the Great Plains states from Canada to Mexico; the species (calel/ifer) ranges from the continental United States while the genus (Pill/ophis) ranges from southern Canada to Guatemala and Baja California (Collins, 1997; Conant and Collins, 1991).

Data on animals in the wild reveals that they mate in April and May and lay eggs June through August. Egg deposition occurs 37 to 40 days after mating and incubation lasts 52 to 85 days usually 59 days at a temperature of 28 C (82 F). The clutch size for the species is from 2 to 24 eggs, while the animals from the Great Plains are from 5 to 22, an average being 12.9. Hatchling size is from 26 to 45 cm ( 10 % " to 17 11/16"). The species should be brumated to promote gamete maturation at a temperature of 3 to 18 C (38 to 65 F) (Rossi, 1995).

Hatchlings are usually eager feeders and will take pinkies from the start. While some may hold out for lizards they can usually be switched to lnice via scent transfer of prey items. Hatchlings grow rapidly and may be sexually mature in two years especially if they are not brumated. Reconunended brumation period is 4 to 5 months (Rossi, 1995).

TI,e following data is from personal breeding experience and notes from the last two years.

In 1995, two sexually mature Bullsnakes of approxinlately the same size (5') were entered into brumation. The female had previously been taken to the vet as she was a new captive, and was diagnosed and treated for flagellates. Prior to brumation, captive husbandry included a 14"x14"x24" cage with a light bulb for heat above ambient (usual cage temperature Inid-80 F) in conjunction with a timer for a variable cycle from 8 to 10 hours of light. The animals were off feed to clean out the remaining food in their system by mid November. In early December the animals were placed in a closet at a temperature of about 60 F for two weeks, then to the basement at 50 to 55 F by late December. Water was intermittently available to keep animals hydrated without allowing the cage to become to wet. The aninlals were brought up to normal temperature levels by mid March (4 V2 month brumation). Both animals appeared to be thinner than when they entered into brumation. The

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by Randy Blasus

female shed in mid May, two days after the male, courting activity and breeding were noted when the animals were placed together on April 14'1.. By early May the female was off-feed, obviously gravid, and she completed her prelaying shed by the middle of the month.

Eight eggs were deposited (adhered in a clump) of approximately the same size on May 27'1. (44 days after mating). The eggs were incubated in a sweater box on top of 5" of perlite with 2" of water added to the box which also had several small holes for ventilation. The eggs were placed in a heated unused cage and kept at a temperature range from mid 70 F to mid and upper 80 F. By July 18, all but one egg had pipped (53 days incubation). All the snakes had emerged by the 22nd and shed six days later. One shed the 27'1., the rest on the 28th •

111roughout incubation all eggs were firm and healthy looking.

The hatchling sex ratio was 2 females, 5 males. All but one snake fed on frozen thawed pinkies immediately and those seven were also docile. The eighth animal was the last to leave the egg, had a nasty disposition like her mother ( the female parent was, and still is, unhandleable) and refused her first pink. She would feed on live pinkies and continued the preference for several months until her new owner finally got her to switch to frozen/ thawed mice (pers. comm.).

In 1996-97 the animals' brumation was shorter and lasted from January to March (2 months). The Bullsnakes bred April 21 and laid four uneven sized eggs on May 24 (34 days). TI,e eggs were incubated similar to before at approximately the same temperature regime. On July 10, the eggs were measured at their widest points and found to be 1)-60x35mm, 2)-64x38mm, 3)-87x33mm, 4)-85x35mm, egg adhesion made some of the calculations difficult so some error is possible in these measurements, mainly in wid ti,. All eggs were healthy and firm throughout incubation with no mold or other abnormalities.

Animal T.L S.V.L. Tail Weight Sex

(mm) (mm) (mm) (gr)

#1 404 348 56 27 Female #2 365 315 45 26 Female #3 403 344 59 39 Male #4 416 360 56 40 Female

Thif> chart summarizes the data that was accumulated from 1997.

MHS Newsletter Volwne 17 Nwnber 9

Notes on Bullsnakes (Pituophis) And Their Captive Propagation by Randy Blasus

By July 14th, all four eggs had been slit and one of the larger ones has emerged. It (egg #4) emerged in the morning while that evening one of the smaller animals (egg #2) had emerged. On July 15, the last two snakes emerged. The incubation period lasted from 52 to 53 days. All the snakes experienced the first shed by 7/23/97 and have fed on dead pinkies except #4 the largest nastiest female who prefers them live.

Interesting items worth note are the differences in the tail length in 1997 (sexual dimorphic) and the egg size versus the hatchling size. If taken as a percentage, the male has a tail 14.5% of his total length. All the females fall below this percentage (13.9%, 13.5%, 12.3%,). Another item of note is that the first year produced 8 eggs of approximately the same size, whereas the following year was only half as many eggs of significant size variation. Perhaps the short brumation did not allow for proper gamete maturation in the male and the female used stored sperm. This hypothesis has not been confirmed as yet.

State Fair Display

This kind of data, that if taken annually on captive bred herps, can produce interesting results if it is compared over a long period of time and especially if it is from large sample sizes.

This adds an interesting dimension to the captive care of these animals and is a project that will, in all likelihood, be one that shall be continued through time. Anyone else with similar observation is encouraged to contribute their experience (and, therefore, knowledge) to the MHS Newsletter.

BibliographY'

Collins, Joseph T. 1997. Standard Common and Current Scientific Names for North American Amphibians and Reptiles. S.s.A.R Herp. Orc. 25: 1-40.

Conant, Roger & Collins, Joseph T. 1991. A Field Guide to Reptiles alld Amphibjans fasten! at/d Central North America. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston. Vil450

Rossi, John V. 1992. Sllakes of the Uuifed Stales fmd eatwda Keeping them Healt1IY ill Captivity Vol. I Easten! Area. Kreiger Publishing Co. Malabar. v-209.

Rossi, John V., D.V.M., M. A. & Rossi, Roxanne 1995 SJlnkes of the United Stafes and Canada Keeping litem Healthy ill Cnptivity Vol. 11 Westen! Area. Kreiger Publishing Co. Malabar. v-325.

The Minnesota Herpetological Society provided the animals and care people for the snake display at the DNR building at the State Fair.

Animals were provided by Gary Ash (rat snake), Randy Blasus (fox snake), Jim Gerholdt (timber rattlesnake and massasauga), Jeff LeClere (western hognose), John Moriarty (gartersnake and bullsnake, and Eastrnann Nature Center (milksnake).

Animal Care was provided by Marilyn Blasus, Randy Blasus, Bruce Haig, Nancy Haig, Maryjane Hommes, Howard Hommes, Nanette Jimerson, John Moriarty.

Thank you to everyone who helped.

This was the first year that we did not get enough volunteers to provide animal or check cages. The incentive of two fair tickets (a $12.00 value) for a 10 minute check at the end of the day should be enough to attract volunteers. Future renovation and improvements to the exhibit will depend on member support.

John Moriarty

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MHS Newsletter Volume 17 Number 9

Help a Hapless Herp -The MHS Adoption Program

When the Minnesota Herpetological Society was formed in 1981, the abillty to obtain reptiles and the information on how to maintain them was very limited. Only a few stores sold reptiles and amphibians, and the husbandry supplies were the same used by cats and dogs or tropical fish (hence the snake in an aquarium setup). Information was obtained from field guides and scientific journals or by finding other" snake lovers" and asking questions and sharing experiences.

In 1982, the MHS Board of Directors created a program to find appropriate homes for the occasional reptiles that were unwanted by the general public. These animals were, for various reasons, no longer desired by their original owners and came to the MHS through various sources. Contacts with the local zoos, law enforcement agencies, humane societies and veterinarians spread the word that the MHS would take in reptiles for adoption.

was: The original purpose of the adoption program

to provide adequate housing for an animal which would otherwise be given away, sold or destroyed.

Nicknamed "Help a Hapless Herp" the animals were listed in the newsletter prior to the general meeting. Applications were reviewed by the entire 8 member Board of Directors and the "lucky" adopters were selected by the following (in order of priority) criteria.

1. successfully bred the species. 2. is presently maintaining a mate of the

species in question. 3. demonstrated successful husbandry of an

allied species. 4. presently or will provide proper facilities

and a source of food prior to placement of the animal.

MHS retained the right of ownership for five years to ensure proper conditions for the animal were maintained and that the animals were not taken simply to be resold. The first reptiles to be adopted were a 10' female Burmese Python, 3' female Common Boa, 10' female Anaconda, and 2 Alligator Lizards, in April of 1982.

Adoption selection has always been a difficult and controversial process. In 1985 when it became to time consuming to get all the board members together, the selection committee was decreased to three board members. When the adoption program started interfering with the other duties' board members needed to do at the general meetings, an adoption committee was formed.

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by Nancy Haig

This committee consisted of a Chairperson and 3-4 members, They were responsible for following the Boards' adoption policies and arranging the pick-up and housing of animals to be adopted. Applications are now reviewed by the committee during the break at the general meeting. Placement of the animals is at the discretion of the committee and all decisions are final. In 1990, the term of MHS ownership was dropped to three years and in 1996 it was revised to one year.

Over the years the number of animals passing through the "Hapless Herp" program has been growing. Although the decision of who will adopt an animal is hard, the decision of what to do with an unwanted animal is even harder. Any animal rescue organization, sooner or later, is faced with the issues of sick, injured and surplus animals.

Our code of ethics calls for the humane and ethical treatment of all reptiles and amphibians. If an animal is suffering because of a serious illness or injury, it is the policy of the board to euthanize the animal in an appropriate manner. The first reptile to be euthanizied was a Burmese Python in 1984, in an unanimous decision by the Board of Directors.

When the animals presented at the general meeting are not adopted out, the committee searches for temporary homes for the hapless herps until the next general meeting. Our current policy requires an animal be given at least three meetings to find a home. Given the amount of "new "animals coming in each month this can build up to be a lot of animals requiring temporary homes. Although the board allows a certain amount of funds for the adoption committee in its annual budget, the cost of maintaining unwanted adoptees is mainly carried by a small group of dedicated foster parents. Truly, they are unsung heroes helping the MHS.

A recent board decision addressed the issue of excess animals by expanding Section 3.0 of the Adoption Policy to read:

Any unhealthy or over abundant animals received for adoption may be dealt with at the discretion of the adoption committee chair with approval from the presiding or highest ranking officer available.

The terms dealt with could mean euthanize, or given away to accredited Vet schools for research. This was not an easy decision to make. The reality is we are receiving more animals than we can adopt out. Our paid membership stands at 246, 115 people were in attendance at the September Meeting. 28 animals were available for adoption and only 7 people applied for just 4 animals. Actions speak louder than words,

MHS Newsletter Volume 17 Number 9

Help a Hapless Here - Tlte MHS Adoptioll Program

and we are reaching a time for serious evaluations of our policies, resources and future courses of action. The following table tracks the number of animals adopted by the society. Although the adoption committee is responsible for maintaining records, the volunteer nature of our group has not always made that practical. The numbers represent only what was available through old newsletter accounts or actual adoption files. It does not take into account any animals that were not recorded, or not adopted, nor does it identify any that may have been re-adopted.

Helping a Hapless Herp Tally

animal 1981 11982 11983 11984 11985 11986 11987 11988 11989 lizards iguanas 2 1 4

monitors

other 2 1 1 6 1

Snakes pythonlboas 9 9 4 1 1 4 9 5

USA 4 5 6 1 2 1 5

exotics 2 1 1

Turtles box 1 3 6 1 6 10

tortoises 1 1 2 1

aquatic 3 1 1 1 2 1 2

Amphibians etc. Anurans I 1 1

salamanders 1 1 1

crocodiles/alli9jors 1 1

totals 10 I 22 I 19 I 13 I 5 1 10 1 19 I 22 1 27

* 1997 tally is not complete, this is as of 9/97.

If the popularity of reptiles and amphibians continues, we will also be seeing increases in the adoption numbers. How to deal with the future depends on the response the MHS Board of Directors hears from the membership. Please consider volunteering for the committee on Iguana/Pet trade issues. If you can't be part of the committee, let them know your feelings on the subject or write a "letter to the editor" . At the next meeting, take a good look at the adoption animals, you really may be their last chance.

Totals 1990 11991 119921199311994 11995 1199611997 adoptad

4 5 10 24 10 13 5 78

3 1 3 0 2 9

2 1 2 1 1 3 6 27

5 1 3 11 2 10 13 20 107

3 1 3 6 3 9 10 6 65

0 2 1 1 8

5 2 5 3 2 7 10 61

1 1 2 9

3 1 5 3 5 3 5 2 38

15 1 7 0 2 2 1 1 31

1 1 4

0 2 1 1 6

3914126140145143155154 443

There are still 15 iguanas, 3 pythons, 2 boas, and 4 turtles needing to be adopted from the Sept. meeting.

If you wallt to help:

.Call the Adoption Chair: Sarah Richard (612) 639-6326

o To adopt animals or help with temporary homes.

oCall the President: George Richard (612) 639-6368

oTo work on the Iguana/ Pet trade committee

oCall a Board Member: 01'0 express your thoughts on future policies.

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If you wallt to learn:

There is a wide selection of Pet trade journals, websites, and organizations. 111ese are just a few of the ones we have been in contact with. For those not on the internet there is a copy of Melissa Kaplans articles in a binder in the Library. This will be updated from time to time to help keep you informed.

Melissa Kaplan: http://www.sonic.net/-melissk/

Mike Fry: Animal Ark http://,,,,,,,,,,,.skypoint.com/members/ mikefty / ark/ rescue.html

MHS Handbook: available in the Library, updated as needed.

MHS Newsletter Volwne 17 Number 9

The 13th Annual Midwest Herpetological Symposium

October 17 -19, 1997 Best Western Canterbury Inn, Shakopee, Minnesota

Three days of lectures, slide presentations, and programs on a wide variety of subjects relatiog to Herpetology.

FRIDAY: 4:00 PM- 1O:00PM

• REGISTRATION

6:00 PM -10:00 PM • VENDORS NIGHT

Open to the public • ANTIQUE REPTILE ORINENTATED TOY

AND FIGURINE DISPLAY • RARE HERPETOLOGICAL BOOK DISPLAY • CASHBAR

1O:00PM-? • HOSPITALITY SUITE OPEN

for registrants only • ON GOING HOLLYWOOD "B" MOVIES

herp related, of course complementary pop, beer, and pizza

SATURDAY: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• LECTURES • VENDOR ROOM OPEN

6:00 PM - 7:00PM • SOCIAL BY POOL

complementary pop and beer

7:00 PM- 8:00 PM • BANQUET

8:00 PM - 9:00PM • FEATURED SPEAKER:

DR. PETER PRITCHARD

10:00 PM-11:00 PM • AUCTION

11:00 PM- ? • HOSPITALITY SUITE OPEN

complementary pop and beer • ON GOING HOLLYWOOD "B" MOVIES

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SUNDAY: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM • VETERINARY WORKSHOPS

• DR. ROGER BRANNIAN Herpetological Veterinary Medicine: An Overview

• DR. JOHN ROSSI Basic Reptile Medical Techniques & Profitable Practice Tips

• DR. RICHARD FUNK Reptile Parasites: Identification, Treatment, and Prevention

LECTURES: Dr. Peter Pritchard: Turtles: Time Tested

Architecture, Uncertain Futures.

Patrick Nabors: Captive Propagation of Varanid Lizards.

Dr. Aaron Bauer: Geckos of the Southern Hemisphere.

Sehoya Harris: Frogging in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Dr. Jeff Lang: Male Muggers in Madras, Crocodiles That Is!

Jeff Ronne: The Not So Common Boa.

John Moriarty: Minnesota's Amphibians and Reptiles.

Dr. John Rossi: Rare and Unusual North American Snakes.

Dr. Dan Keyler: Venomous Snakebite: Causes, Effects and Treatment.

Dr. Richard Funk: Managing Reproductive Problems in Captive Reptiles.

Full Registration: $55.00 Banquet: $22.00 Contact Marilyn Blasus (612) 925-4237

MHS Newsletter Volume 17 Number 9

M.H.S. Business

September Board of Directors Meeting By Bruce Haig, Recording Secretary

Treasurer's Report of August 1997 Prepared by Marilyn Brooks B1asus

The MHS Board of Directors met on September 6, 1997 at the U of M Student Union. A Quorum was present.

Progress has been made with PETCO: they have moved 5 monitors from their "stock list" to special order only and MHS is working with them on the wording of an iguana adoption notice to be posted on their bulletin board. The animal donation waver statement used by the MHS will be reworded for animals adopted out through PETCO.

A change in the adoption policy was passed to allow the adoption committee chairperson to dispose of over abundant animals at their discretion with the approval of the President or highest ranking board member available. Formally, this authority only was applicable to unhealthy animals.

The MH5 has a disagreement with the printer of the quarter sheet pads distributed at hands-ons and other functions; we ordered 8,000 sheets and they delivered 8,000 books of 50 sheets each. It was decided to refuse delivery of the pads and refuse payment.

The next board meeting will be held Oct. 4 at 7:00 PM at the U of M Student Union. Any interested members are encouraged to attend.

Beginning checkbook balance:

Income: Membership: 225.00 Raffle 60.50 Sales 27.5 Rodent Sales 498.00 Donations 400.88 Fines 6.00 Others(midwest) 2,846.00

Total income:

Expense: Newsletter 426.90 Misc. prt'; post. 166.20 Program 150.00 Library 28.00 Supplies 0.00 Refreshments 0.00 Sales costs 372.60 Donation 0.00 Other (+Midwest) 382.68

Total Expense: Net income! (loss)

Ending checkbook balance: Funds allocated to unpaid expenses Funds available

6,353.50

4,063.88

1,526.38 2,537.5

8,891.00 5,120.00 3,771.00

Presented and accepted: Recording Secretary Report, Treasurers Report and Membership Report. There are 246 paid memberships, 115 people attended the September General meeting. Conservation fund balance 229.52

MHS CominK Events

October 3,1997 MHS General Meeting, Guest Speaker: Mark Gernes, Program: Frogs as Bio­Indicators, Quality of Wetlands. 335 Boriaug Hall, U of M, st. Paul Campus, 7:00 p.m.

October 4, 1997 MHS Board of Directors Meeting, U of M Student Union, St. Paul Campus, 7:00 pm

October 17-19,1997 13th Annual Midwestern Herpetological Symposium Best Western Canterbury Inn, Shakopee, MN. See newsletter for details. Contact Bill Moss for volunteering, (612) 488-1383

Hands On October 9, 1997 Animal Control Convention Large animals and Minnesota herps. This is chance to

demonstrate handling for animal control officers. Daytime 2 -3 p.m. ? October 16-17,1997 Possible event

Contact Sean Hewitt (612) 935-5845 for further information of Hands On events.

9

MHS Newsletter Vohune 17 Number 9

Classified Advertisements 1.0.0"" male, 0.1.0 = female, 0.0.1 = unsexed, cb = captive bred, abo = or best offer

For Sale: Oassified ads are free to the membership. Deadline is the night of the general meeting to be included in the next newsletter. Contact Nancy Haig 434--8684 to leave ad or mail to: fv1J-lS Editor, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St., SE, .Minneapolis, MN, 55455

African Fat-tailed Geckos, HemitltecollYx calldicillctllS, cb 97, $40.00. Giant Day Geckos, PltelslIma grandis, cb 97, $35.00. Contact Craig 934-7239

Veiled Chameleons, Cltamaeleo caiyptrahJs, cb 1997 F2, $45.00. Contact Vern or Laurie 428-4625

Bullsnakes, Pihwpllis melano/ellclIs, cb July 1997, Healthy and feeding (pinkies). Males and females, only $10.00. Contact Alan Kwong (612) 642-1702

13 hatchling Everglades Rat Snakes, have shed and are feeding on pre-killed pinkies, $20.00 each. Can deliver to MHS meetings Call Mark 481-0127

Good homes desperately needed for: F. Northern Blue tongue Skink $80.00, F. Irian Jaya Blue Tongue Skink $80.00, captive bred baby desert iguanas Dipsosallnts dorsalis - beautiful animals $50.00 each, Captive breb African Fat-tail babies $50.00 each Call Jayde at 731-9350 AS.A.P.

Adult African Clawed Frogs, Individuals: $25.00, Pair: $40.00. during evenings (402) 256-3662

Xenopus iaevis, Contact Cory,

Frozen Rabbits - all sizes. Prices very reasonable­pinkies to adults. Jim Daluge (612) 295-2818

English Spot Dutch

Jim's Rabbit Shack

Polish

Where Spots Are Tops

JIM DALUGE 8700 Jaber Ave. N.E. Monticello, MN 55362

(612) 295·2818

Active Members may run their business cards for $5.00 per month. Corresponding Members may run 2 cards per year for $25.00 or have complimentary cards as space permits

10

Wanted: All the shed skins in the world, always, to use at hands-on programs to give to kids. Bob Duerr (612) 541-0362

Volunteers, Ideas and Articles

O.K. MHS members, this is your opportunity to get involved in ways you probably haven't even in1agined. We need your help for the Midwest Symposium, remember to register, contact Bill Moss to volunteer your services, let your friends know about it if they are interested in reptiles, and prepare yourself for a great weekend!

Get involved with the Iguana/Pet trade committee, let board members know your thoughts on the subject or if you know of other support groups, rescue efforts, or legal support people that might share our concern.

Our Committee Chairs also need help in their ongOing commitments. Check with Sarah or Sean on how you can help out.

Finally, why not express yourself in print? I do all the time, and frankly I'd like to read someone else's thoughts for a change. (you probably do too).

NUl

MHS Rodent Sales Mice

Pinkies Fuzzies Hoppers Adults

$6.00 dozen $6.00 dozen $7.50 dozen $9.00 dozen

Rats Small Pups $10.00 dozen Large Pups $15.00 dozen Adults $12.00 six

$24.00 dozen

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

MHS Merchandise: In addition to rodents the MHS offers an assortment of herp related sales items. Check out the sales area on the side of the meeting room, before the meeting, during break, or after the meeting as time permits.

All proceeds go toward the operating costs of the society. The MHS is a completely volunteer run, non-profit organization.

Advertising Policies MHS Ad Policy: The MHS assumes NO RESPONSIBILITY regarding the health or legality of any animal, or the quality or legality of any product or service advertised in the MHS Newsletter. Any ad may be rejected at the discretion of the Newsletter Editor. Due to space limitations, unpaid and complimentary advertisements are subject to occasional omission.

Classified Ads: All active members are allowed a classified ad, run free of charge as space permits. Ads may be run (3) consecutive months, after which time they may be resubmitted. Corresponding members are allowed a complimentary business card advertisement monthly as space permits.

Display Ad Rates: Ad Size \4 page h page

per Month $10.00 $20.00 $40.00 full page

Business card advertisements $5.00 per ad, per month.

may be purchased at

Submissions: All advertisements should be submitted to the MHS Editor, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church SI. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Deadline is the night of the General Meeting for inclusion in the next newsletter. Make checks payable to: Minnesota Herpetological Society

New Renewal Membershi #

MRS Meeting Location

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA- ST. PAUL CAMPUS

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Meetings are the 1" Friday of the month.

.. N

Rm. 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M SI. Paul Campus Start time: 7:00 p.m. MHS Voicemail: (612) 624 - 7065 Internet: http://www.onrampinc.nctimhs/

Membershi lication

T e Check #

Name ____________________________________________________________________________ ___

Address ____________________________________________________________________________ _

City ____________________________________________ State Zip __________ _

Phone ____________________________ email List in MHS Directory? __ Yes __ No

Herp related interests ______________________________________________________________________ _

Active Memberships : ___ Sustaining ($60/yr) ____ Contributing ($30/yr) __ Basic ($15/yr)

Corresponding Memberships: ____ Gold Commercial ($100/yr 2 full pg. ads) ___ Bronze Commercial ($50/yr2 1/4pg ads)

____ Silver Commercial ($75/yr 2 1/2 pg. ads) ____ Basic Commercial ($25/yr 2 Bus cards)

Required check info Drivers Lic # State DOB __________ _ Please enclose the proper payment with your application. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Membership is for 12 months from the date of approval, a receipt will be sent only upon request. MAIL TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church st. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Please allow 6 - 8 weeks for processing.

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREET SE,

MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

.-.. ~.~

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POSTMASTER: DATED MATERIAL

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Non-Profit Rate U.S. Postage

PAID Mpls,MN

Permit No. 2275