vol. 23 (2003), no. 3
DESCRIPTION
Minnesota Herpetological Society NewsletterTRANSCRIPT
Board of Directors President Randy B!asus 952.925.4237
Vice President Tony Gamble
tgamble@atlbLcom
Recording Secretary Barb Buzlcky
Membership SecretarY
763.424.2803
Nancy Hakomaki 651.631.1380 [email protected]
Treasurer
Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church Street Southeast, Minneapolis Minnesota 55455-0104
The Minnesota Herpetological
s • 1 t o c e y
MHS We bpage: http.//www.bellmuseum.org/herpetology/Maill.html
MHS Group Email: http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/mnherpsoc.
Voice Mail: 612.624.7065 Marilyn B!asus 952.925.4237._ ................................................ _ .... _ .... _ ............. _ ................... _ ........ _.
Newsletter Editor Bill Moss 651.488.1383
Members at Large Heather Clayton 651.291.2546
[email protected] Brian Ingbretson 763.572.0487
[email protected] Philip Woutat 952.924.9128
_ [email protected] Heather Ingbretson 763.572.0487
Immediate Past President Jodi L. Aheros 612.588.9329
Adoption Sarah Richard
~
Committees
612.781.9544 [email protected]
Jan Larson 507.263.4391 [email protected]
Northern Minnesota Jeff Korbel
library Beth Girard
Webmaster
218.586.2588
763.691.1650
Anke Reinders [email protected]
Amphibians Greg Kvanbek John Meltzer John Moriarty
Chameleons
Herp Assistance
Vern & Laurie Grassel
Crocodilians Jeff Lang Bill Moss
lizards Nancy Haig Heather Malson
Large Boas ~b.Qos TIna Cisewski
Other Snakes Jeff Leclere John Meltzer
Aquatic Turtles Gary Ash John Leve!!
Terrestrial Iu[:tIe:s Fred Bosman John leve!!
651.388.0305 763.263.7880 651.482.8109
763-428·4625
701.772.0227 651.488.1383
763.434.8684 612.554.8446
612.856.2865
651.488.6388 763.263.7880
763.753.0218 507.467.3076
763.476.0306 507.467.3076
March 2003 Volume 23 Number 3 The Purpose of the Minnesota Herpetological Society is to:
• Further the education of the membership and the general public in care and captive propagation of reptiles and amphibians;
• Educate the members and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles and amphibians;
• Promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.
The Minnesota Herpetological Society is a non· profit, tax-exempt organization. Membership is open to all individuals with an interest in amphibians and reptiles. The Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter is published monthly to provide its members with information concerning the society's activities and a media for exchanging information, opinions and resources.
General Meetings are held at Borlaug Hall, Room 335 on the St. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota, on the first Friday of each month (unless there is a holiday conflict). The meeting starts at 7:00pm and lasts about three hours. Please check the MHS Voice mail for changes in schedules or cancellations.
Submissions to the Newsletter Ads or Notices must be submitted no later than the night of the General Meeting to be included in the next issue. Longer articles will be printed as time and space allows and should be in electronic file format if possible. The business card rate is $5/month. Submissions may be sent to:
The Minnesota Herpetological Society Attn: Newsletter Editor Bell museum of Natural History 10 Church St. SE. Minneapolis, MN 55455.0104
-or-Bill Moss 75 Geranium Ave East Saint Paul, MN 55117 ~or~
Copyright 2003, Minnesota Herpetological SOCiety. Except where noted, contents may be reproduced for non· profit, non-commercial use only. All material must be reproduced without change. Proper credit wilt be given
Including the author/photographer and the MHS Newsletter citing: volume, number and date.
The Newsletter of the Minnesota He1vctological Society March 2003 Volume 23 Number 3
The Vice-presidents report By Tony Gamble
March General Meeting - Friday. March 7. 2003
White Snake Sale and Photo Contest
The main event of the March meeting is. of course. the Great White Snake Sale. This sale has. for the last seventeen years. been a great fund-raiser for MHS. The proceeds keep the organization running smoothly and help fund items in the budget like guest speaker expenses and research grants. It's also a great place to pick up cages. books. and herp related knickknacks (among other things ... ). Bid highl
Upcoming Meetings:
Friday. April 4th. 2003 - TBA
Friday. May 2nd• 2003 - Aaron Bauer. Villanova University
Friday. June 6th• 2003 - Dave Kizirian. L.A. County Museum
Friday. July 11 th - Maureen
February Critter of the Month
Thanks to the following people for bringing animals to the meeting to show and educate the membership:
Allie Velvet. the Guyanan Red tail boa and Casper the corn snake
The March meeting also has the Jake MHS photo contest. Every year I'm Bearded dragon amazed by the quality of photos § that are entered by MHS members. Come. view all of the entries. and vote for your favorite.
Because the White Snake Sale is a rather unstructured event it's easy to lose track of kids (and adults) who may want to wander the halls. Please remember that it's important that we stay in our designated rooms and connecting hallways.
So. in summary: Come to the March meeting; bid large amounts of money at the Great White Snake Sale; and vote in the photo contest. See you there!
Cover: Crotalus Molossus (Blacktailed rattlesnake) Photo by Sean Menke
ClCIE
February MHS Board Meeting Minutes
submitted by Barb Buzicky, Recording Secretary
The MHS Board Meeting was called to order at 6:07 PM CST. at the University of Minnesota St. Paul Student Center. The attendance is as follows:
Board Members Present:
Heather Clayton. Randy Blasus. Marilyn Blasus. Bill Moss .. Jodi Ahems. Tony Gamble. Nancy Hakomaki. Heather Ingebretson. Brian Ingebretson. Barb Buzicky. Phillip Woutat.
Non-Board Members Present:
Sarah Richard, Jeff LeClere, Katy Marier. Jake Jacobson, Nancy Haig, Bruce Haig, Mark Schmidtke, Fred Bosman. Liz Bosman. George Richard, Bill Sandberg
Minutes from the January 4, 2003, Board Meeting will be reviewed at the next board meeting.
Treasurer's Report for January 2003, was approved as read.
Membership Report for November 2002, was approved as read.
(board ..... continued on page 13)
Page 3
The Newsletter of the MinnesoL'1 Helpetological Society M.fCh 2003 Volume 23 Number 3
News, Notes & Announcements
Proposed MHS Bylaw Amendments
What: Voting on Changes to MHS Bylaws Who: Active Members of MHS in Attendance When: April 4, 2003 - 7:00 PM
*** Official Notice ***
Where: St Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota in Borlaug Hall, Room 335
The Board of Directors has approved the following two amendments to the MHS Bylaws. Accordingly, they are brought before the MHS membership for adoption. Words that will be eliminated are struck through and new words are presented in bold. If you have any questions or concems, please feel free to contact any board member. There will be an opportunity for discussion before voting. MBB
Proposed Change One: In some election years, MHS has had uncontested ballots (exact number of people running for the number of positions). In these years, rather than going through the long process of handing out and counting ballots, MHS has looked to Roberts Rules of Order. The MHS Bylaws under Section 8.03 allows MHS to rely on Roberts Rules of Order when the MHS Bylaws are silent. Roberts Rules of Order allows MHS, in uncontested ballots, to approve the slate of candidates by verbal vote (rather than written ballot). This following proposed change would add the wording to the MHS Bylaws, thus making it known to our members, in such a case of an uncontested ballot, MHS will use a verbal vote to elect the new board.
Existing Wording: Section 5.04 Counting the Votes. The Recording Secretary shall appoint a tally committee of two (2) members who will tally the votes and sign a list of successful candidates. The Recording Secretary shall immediately notify all successful candidates. Candidates shall be elected by a simple majority of the ballots cast. The ballots shall be retained by the Recording Secretary for thirty (30) days for possible inspection by the Board of Directors.
Change to: Section 5.04 Counting the Votes. The Recording Secretary shall appoint a tally committee of two (2) members who will tally the votes and sign a list of successful candidates. The Recording Secretary shall immediately notify all successful candidates. GaR~isates sAalise eleates sy a si"'~I" FAaj"Fity "I tAB sall"t" easl. The ballots shall be retained by the Recording Secretary for thirty (30) days for possible inspection by the Board of Directors.
And Add: Section 5.05 Ballots. Candidates shall be elected by a simple majority of the ballots cast. When the ballot has no (zero) contested positions, there shall be no necessity for a written ballot of candidates and such nominee(s) shall be declared duly elected upon verbal affirmation of active members in attendance.
Proposed Change Two: This proposed change came about for two reasons. First, the President is the only Board position who is required to be in office for two years (first year. President and second year. Immediate Past President). Few, organizations, in fact our govemment, doesn't required any elected official to remain in office once they are no longer elected. The second reason, and the larger issue, is the discovery a conflict in the wording which creates a potential voting issue. In the wording currently, if the existing President is on the ballot for an addition term, but is opposed, the exact number of Member at Large positions open is not known until the office of President is determined. To further demonstrate, if the existing President wins another term, we would need five Members at Large, if a new President was elected, then we would need only four Members at Large to be elected. Rather, than change the way MHS does balloting, the Board thought the best solution was to have the Immediate Past President as a non-board advisor. .
Existing Wording: Section 3.01 MHS Administration. MHS shall be administered by a Board of Directors comprised of the elected officers, four active members-at-Iarge and the immediate past president or the elected officers and five active members at large, all of whom are eighteen (18) years of age or older and whom shall be members of MHS in good standing. Determination will be dependent on requirement that immediate past president be a one year term.
Change to: Section 3.01 MHS Administration. MHS shall be administered by a Board of Directors comprised of the elected officers, I"H' aativa FAeFA l3ere at laF§s aReI tAs iFflFASeliats l3ast I3FssielsAt SF tAe elestsel s#iseFS and H¥e four active members at large, all of whom are eighteen (18) years of age or older and whom shall be members of MHS in good standing. Oat"fffliflatieR wil! se ee~eReeRt SR rS~HirsmsRllAat immeei ate 138St f3rSsiEleAt l3e 8 eRe year telTA.
Page 4
The Ne"vsictter of the Minnesota Hel}Jetoiogical Society March 2003 Volume 23
From The without a large and diverse body of answer, a~other ma~ ~e well versed • interested people. on the tOPIC. In fact, If It were not for
Presldent..... the help of one of the Societies by Randy Blasus, An organization's viability is linked founding membe.rs, this Pres!~ent MHS President to its ability to attract and keep peo- would not be in his current position.
pie. The leadership must strive to .. work within the societies' precepts, The only obstacle to your partlclpa
In this in~tial col- yet should serve the needs of the tion in this ~ociety is that eac~ umn, I flrs~ and membership. Each individual can monthly meeting presents a traglforemost wish to help to support the society by voic- c~lIy s~ort time in whi~h to interact
. . t.hank both the ing their desires or opinions. The with fnends, acco~plls~ M~S or outgoing and Incomln~ Board men:- Board of Directors job is then to other business leaving little time to bers. MHS has benefited fr~m their blend these diverse energies into a meet new people. However, as experience as I am sure I will. The coherent direction. We have sur- President, it shall be my task to current Board is comprised of sea- vived for so long and perform so remove boundaries, encourage an soned veterans, experienced mem- successfully because of our mem- exchange of ideas, to assist in bers and ~ompleteIY. new fa.ces. bership. It is you who bring new acclimatization and assure the Together, this group will benefit by ideas and energy into the Society. future of MHS. I look forward to merging their diverse viewpoints to meeting you. § successfully face the challenges Also, knowing who and what you ahead. represent, as a group, is crucial to
establish direction. Our Society That said; I also value our Chairs attempts to serve both communities who help the Society interface with of herpetoculture and herpetology. the larger world around us. A good We are not always successful as example of this is our Hands-On not even both groups can agree on Chair, Jan - who leads volunteers in every point. However, by remaineducating the public on amphibians ing in contact with all those interestand reptiles. This activit~ ful~iII~ an ed in herps we can broaden the important part of MHS mission. horizon of everyone and serve as a Other events such as last months forum for an exchange of ideas. presentation at the U of M Vet School and upcoming Pet Expo are other similar opportunities for members to assist the Society, make new friends and work with the creatures we value so much (see inside for more information on these)
As a member or interested party, you should realize now that you play an important part in our group. Because of this fact, all members, in fact anyone attending a meeting should to take the time to approach someone on the Board of Directors.
!he heart of ~ur gro~p, however, is Your input can be very valuable. Its membershlpl It IS only.through Suggestions can lead to new oppormember support that the Alms and tunities for improvement. Goals of MHS are met. We support important projects with grant Questions should be asked not only money; spread information through for the good of the society, but also the Ne~sletter and generally ~ork for your benefit. The combined to benefit herpetofauna. Functions knowledge of this group is considerwe would not be able to perform able. If one of us is unsure of the
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Page 5
March 2003 Volume 23 Number 3
(or ••.. herping in Southern New Mexico)
Article and Photos By MHS Member Sean Menke
Let me introduce you to a beautiful, but desolate landscape. It borders the White
Sands National Monument, and is 40 km NNE of Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA. I spent two summers studying lizards and desert
States. History is still living in the mountains and basins surrounding the Jornada. To the locals, Pat Garret and Billy the Kid are not people about whorn movies are made, but rather friends ... or enemies of their grandparents. The
the course of my research, I had many adventures. Some adventures I chose, such as hunting rock rattlesnakes at night by listening for them to rattie, helping local cowboys sabotage a United States military campaign on disputed proper-
ty with White San d s Missile range (I can't go into detail, as those events are still under investigation ... ), or spelunking through a huge bat
ecology in the Jornada del Muerto basin. For those of you C
who know a lit tie Spanish, "Jornada del Muerto" or "Journey of Death" you ask? The story I heard is this. When Apache raids along the Rio Grande became too fierce, pioneers tried to cut through the Jornada- view of the bajada slope, the location of the author's field site
cave. Other adventures just seemed to find me. For instance, I stumbled across a hunting mountain lion late at night -I imagine that the mountain
Jornada, a vast basin bordered on all sides by mountains with no source of cover or water. Those pioneers faced difficult mountain passes, followed by scorching heat and dehydration; suffering a much more tragic fate than those daring the Rio Grande. The Jornada is part of the Chihuahuan desert. This wild and unforgiving landscape was and still is one of the last bastions of desert grassland habitat in the United
Page 6
cowboy rather than being a mythical hero, is still alive and well, and the only way of life for many in this area. This historic land that we picture from the old "John Wayne" westerns is changing. The grassland habitat is disappearing and being replaced by an even more desolate landscape of shrubs and sand dunes. I entered this wilderness to track how lizards were being affected by this change. In
lion was as surprised as I was. For some odd reason Border Patrol and I had a few misunderstandings during my tenure at the Jornada. At one point in time they "mistakenly" fired their guns at me, thankfully they are poor shots. There was also the time, I led them in a car chase through the Jornada, too bad they got lost, it was fun while it lasted. Another odd fact that I discovered, and found entertaining was using
The Ne""slettcr of the Minnesota Herpetological Society March 2003 Volume 23 Number 3
the fluorescent powders, normally used to track lizard movements, were very effective at tracking cer-
Creosote· one of the author's trapping sites
tain "human behaviors" at parties. Now that the scene has been set, let me tell you about the study and the reason a cold weather loving yankee like myself was there in the first place ...
The goal of this study was to analyze lizard cornmunity structure along a naturally occurring, rapidly expanding desert grassland/cre-
'Vester" whiptail (CllemidopllOrlis tigris)
osote shrubland transition zone. Overgrazing by cattle, climate change, and fire suppression have all been irnplicated as causes for this habitat shift (Buffington and Herbel 1965; Gibbens and Beck 1988). I ask several related questions: 1) what is the width of the
vegetative transition, 2) how is it distinct from the grassland and creosote habitats, 3) does lizard abun-
dance and diversity < •• ~ti;':;l change across the veg
etative transition, 4) what is the extent of the transition as defined by lizard abundance, 5) what are potential causes for detected changes in abundance and diversity. This study has implications for how communities change in a rapidly changing environment. Desert lizards are ideal models for studies of desert edge effects on
communities because they are abundant, diverse, mostly diurnal, do not rnigrate, are important to desert food webs as predators on invertebrates and srnall vertebrates, and are prey for a diversity of vertebrates; particularly birds and snakes (Pianka 1986).
My research site was on the eastern bajada slope of Mount Sumrnerford, part of the Dona Anna Mountains in the southwestern part of the Jornada. A bajada is a collection of alluvial fans, acting as the apron around the base of a mountain, which in wet seasons drains into a playa lake. Four replicate transects were visually selected based on an abrupt vegetation shift from black grama grassland (Boute/oua eriopoda) to creosote shrubland (Larrea tridentate). The desert grassland/creosote shrubland transition has a long historical record in the Chihuahuan desert. In the Jornada del Muerto basin, creosote habitat was limited to gravel ridges; invasion to the grassland proper of the Jornada basin is a relatively recent event. In 1858, creosote was not found in
grassland sites, by 1963 approximately 15% of all grassland sites had become dominated by creosote in the Jornada basin and there are no pure grassland sites left (Buffington and Herbel 1965).
Changes associated with this shift in habitat have caused a drastic increase in both creosote and transition habitat.
The Jornada possesses a veritable wealth of herpefauna; 21 snake species, including western diamondback, prairie, black tail, rock, and pygmy rattlesnakes, 17 lizard species (six whiptail lizard, two
1IlliparellS)
horned lizard, and two spiny lizard species), the western box tortoise, tiger salarnanders, and 7 frog and toad species. If you go into the mountains the list increases. My research was specifically focused on how lizard diversity and abun-
Page 7
The Newsletter of the 1\1innesota HelJ>etological Society March 2003 Volume 23 Number 3
dance changed across the transition. To answer this I established four transects of 11 t-shaped pitfall trap arrays. Each trap array consists of five holes in the ground in
Great plains skink (Ellllleces obsoletus)
which two coffee cans are placed end to end. The holes are connected with silt-fencing, and partially covered with clay tiles so that they look like burrows. Lizards, snakes, the occasional tortoise, scorpions, tarantulas, mice and any other small critter will wander around until they run into the fence; they then follow the fence until they fall in the hole and wait for me to rescue them. Some go into the holes thinking they are natural burrows in the ground; and some snakes, birds, and lizards go into the traps to eat whatever is there. In order to create the trap arrays, I
Leopard lizard (Gambelia wizizellir)
spent far too many painful hours in the sun at temperatures often greater than 100° digging and pounding 220 holes into a ground
Page 8
composed mostly of caliche (which is a natural cement). The final, backbreaking work, is to connect the traps together with fenceing. The work doesn't end there; the traps are checked every morning. This can be fun, like opening gifts at Christmas, you never know what will fall into the traps... Everything from very dangerous things like, rattlesnakes and packrats (really big teeth), venomous centipedes, scorpions, and tarantulas, to the more endearing critters like baby roadrunners and tortoises.
The vegetation in the three habitat types had distinct structural differ-
90 a%Gras.
III % Creosote
'0 13% litter
• % Bare Ground
70 ! .0
1 1 I 1
30
20
10
.9 3. 21 9 Grassland
(Sphaeralcea subhastata), snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae) , clumps of prickly pear (Opuntia phaeacantha), and the soap-tree yucca (Yucca elata). The transition between the two habitats is approximately 26m wide with fewer and smaller clumps of grass, smaller creosote shrubs, no overlapping canopy, and large areas of bare soil (Figure 1).
During the study, the pitfall traps captured 677 individual lizards of 12 different species and 4 other species were observed nearby: collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris), leopard lizard (Gambelia wis-
! 1 I I
o
DIstance From
Figure 1: Habitat characteristics with increasing distance from the transition. Measurements are percent coverage with the potential to have greater than 100% due to canopy coverage. All values are means +/~ 1 SE.
ences. Creosote sites were dominated 100% by creosote shrubs with an abundance of bare soil underneath an overlapping canopy. Larger creosote shrubs often had small patches of grass at their bases, as well as large packrat (Neotoma sp.) nests. Grassland sites were dominated by large grass clumps interspersed with small areas of bare soil, scattered small shrubs including mormon tea (Ephedra sp.), globe mallow
lizenit) , greater earless lizard (Cophosaurus texanus), lesser earless lizard (Holbrookia maculata), texas horned lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum), roundtail horned lizard (Phrynosoma mOdestum) , desert spiny lizard (Sceloporus magistef) , side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana), tree lizard (Urosaurus omatus), great plains skink (Eumeces obsoletus) , chihuahuan spotted whiptail (Cnemidophorus exanguis), little striped whiptail (C. inor-
TIle Newsletter of the IHinnesota HC11JCtoiogicai Society March 2003 Volume 23 Number 3
natus), new mexico whiptail (C. neomexicanus), checkered whiptail (C. tesse/atus), western whiptail (C. tigris), and the desert grassland whiptail (C. uniparens). Lizard abundance changed dramatically across the transition, significantly increasing as distance from the transition increased irrespective of habitat (Figure 2).
The grassland sites had the most lizard species with 14 species, the transition had 10 species and the creosote had 12 species. All common lizard species could be found throughout the grassland habitat
Texas horned lizard (Pbryllosoma CO",1ItU1I1)
were distinct "grassland specialists", these were; the lesser earless, great plains skink, little striped whiptail, and desert grassland whiptail lizards. The desert spiny lizard was a shrub specialist species. There were no specialist species in the transition habitat.
There are three potential explanations for the observed decrease in lizard abundance at the transition: decreased prey abundance, increased predation risk, and habitat structure. Risk of predation can be closely linked to prey abundance, time of activity, and habitat structure. An area abundant in food resources may also have a greater risk of predation. Habitat structure and diversity of microhabitats are Deserl spiny lizard (Sce/opoTlls magister)
also correlated with potential abun-. . dance and type of food resources. ferent habitat types. Common lizard
predators at the Jornada are Of the three possible explanations snakes, including the night snake theorized, increased risk of preda- (Hypsiglena), .two ~ypes of whip tion is probably the strongest force snake (Ma~tlcop~/s), long-nose driving lizard abundance at this site. snake (Rhmochellus), and the Predator abundance and type of patc~nose snake (S,:lvadora), leoppredator are known to differ in dif- ard lizards (Gambe/ta) and collared
• •
y = O.OOh + 0.096: Rl .. 0.352
125 100 25
o
0.35 • 2000 o 2001
0.3
o
o 0.05 o
• •
o 25
Distance From Ecotone (m)
• • •
• o
~ ---_---- i
o o
o o 0
----
•
•
• ---o
o
o
y =- O.OOtx + 0.117: RL '" 0.171
75 100 Grassland
125
and extending up to 70 m into the Figure 2: Linear regression of lolal number of lizards caplured with increasing dislance from creosote habitat. Some species the transition. Lizard captures were standardized for differential trapping efforl belween
years. Page 9
lizards (Crotaphytus), and birds including the Roadrunner and Swainsons hawk (Degenhardt et al.
Texas Horned Lizard
1996; Holte and Houck 2000; Rodriguez-Estrella 2000). I observed leopard lizards, patchnose snakes and whip snakes patrolling the transition habitat frequently. Swainsons hawks have
The author with a black-tail rattlesnake (ero/alls molosslIs)
been observed patrolling the transition and anthropogenic fenceline edges on the Mt. Summerford bajada (Whitford pers. comm).
The Jomada is a beautiful albeit harsh environment in which to work.
Page 10
March 2003 Volume 23 Number 3
Every day presents a new struggle, Rodriguez-Estrella, R. 2000. battling the elements to perform Breeding success, nest-site charresearch. At one point in the study, acteristics, and diet of Swainson's I had to hike10 miles to and from my hawk (Buteo swainsom) in a stable field site every morning because all population in northern Mexico. the roads were impassable due to Can. J. Zool., 78: 1052-1059. § storms and flooding. The Lightning strikes would start yucca shrubs on fire sometimes as close as 30 feet from where I was huddled on the ground; adding to the work, strong windstorms tore out my fences more often than I care to contemplate. Regardless, or possibly in
Sean Menke began public education as a Junior Docent at Como Zoo (1988-1995).
part because of the wildness of this After joint programs at Renaissance basin, it is an amazing place for bio- Festival he Decame a member of logical research, an exciting (and the. Minnesota Herpetological easy) place in which to loose one- Society In 1992. self.
References: Buffington, L. C. and Herbel, C. H. 1965. Vegetational changes on a semidesert grassland range from 1858 to 1963. Ecol. Monogr., 35: 139-164.
Degenhardt, W. G., Painter, C. W. and Price, A. H. 1996. Amphibians and Reptiles of New Mexico. University of New Mexico Press. Albuquerque, NM.
Gibbens, R. P. and Beck, R. F. 1988. Changes in grass basal area and forb densities over a 64-year period on grassland types of the Jornada Experimental Range. J. Range Manage., 41: 186-192.
Holte, A. E. and Houck, M. A. 2000. Juvenile Greater roadrunner (Cuculidae) killed by choking on a Texas horned lizard (Phrynosomatidae). The Southwestern Naturalist, 45: 74-76.
Pianka, E. R. 1986. Ecology and natural history of desert lizards. Princeton University Press. Princeton, New Jersey.
He received a BA in Biology' from the University of Minnesota - Morris in 1999
At Morris he worked with David Hoppe on malformed frog research for 3 years.
He completed a fellowship at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, Washington DC, researching flatfish taxonomy.
Sean completed his Masters in Zoology from the University of Oklahoma in 2002 with his thesis research on lizard community ecology at the Jornada Long Term Ecological Research Site, Las Cruses, NM.
Sean is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Ecology, BehavIOr, & Evolution at the University of California - San Diego. His research involves desert ant community structure and the invasive argentine ant.
Career plans include teaching at an undergraduate institution in ecology and a1tempting to instill in students a fascination of the natural world.
'rhe Newsletter of the :Minnesota Herpetological Society
ITtH.r.kc: to Our Hands-On Volunteers Jan Larson, Education Coordinator
March 2003 Volume 23 Number 3
I would like to thank the 58 volunteers who donated 475.5 hours of time to make the 2002 educational hal1(I~,-on program work. A total of 39 events were conducted. They ranged from classroom presentations
group events - Vet School Open House, Nature Centers, Bell Museum Jason Project, Pet Fair, compicnics, Scouts and summer recreation programs.
are several new events planned for 2003. I'd like to see more participation. Our program is as good our volunteers make it.
Let's have a great 20031
pcoming Hands-on Schedule
16 - Sunday - Eden Prairie Nature ICAln!Ar, 1-3pm
1-2 - Pet Fair at the Minneapolis Convention Center Saturday: 8am - 6pm Sunday: 8am - 4pm
are staffing both the MHS and Will-Call
6 -Sunday - Vet School Open House, Paul Campus, 11 am-4pm
. 12 - Saturday - Spring Park CleanPhalen Park Pavilion, 12pm-3pm
3 - Saturday -Env. Expo/Arborday IFvAnt Ramsey Elem. 8am-1pm
MHS members Brian Ingbretson and Nancy Haig interacting with a good crowd at a "Hands-On" at the Ben Museum Of Natural History
17 - Saturday - Waterfest 2003, Phalen Park Pavilion, 10am-3pm
Jan Larson for more information 507.263.4391
Page 11
March 2003 Volume 23 Number 3
A the May 1997 Herp society him to a MHS "critter of the fenced in yard with mixed terrain meeting, I adopted, sight month" to show members how and vegetation, and an igloo dog
, unseen, a seven inch, one - important it is to feed young ani- house that he retires to at night. and -a -half year old sulcata tor- mals correctly, but, alas, he is too During the cold months, however, toise. He had been listed in the big and active to be spending four he has to live inside. I'm lucky to previous newsletter as in need of hours on the road. My lap is not have a reptile room that is prima-TLC and was ....-__________________________ ---, rily his, com-in foster care plete with his
~~t:~e ti~he~ 11",;;;LI1\dr-.;;;p ~ 6l C!D\Jtl i ~ ~ :~~~I' I~~: ~t?~ meeting I had the best a to drive to the Min n esota n foster home with limited by Laurie Mahling in pouring means can do.
rain to pick Two years ago him up, and I discovered he slept on that I could my lap during freeze fresh the two hour drive north. grass. We let H~~~I_ fue~g~
longer than pyramided usual, mowed and
it, raked it, deformed from an bagged it
fresh in gallon imp rap e r zip locks, and diet, but he put the bags in had a hearty the freezer. appetite and We froze was active and alert. enough to last
the winter and Now, as you it worked can see from this photo great. Fancy
will not eat "Fancy" is a hay, so his
s t rap pin g winter diet did-young fellow L __________________________ ---l n't consist of
of 48 pounds, sporting size medi- an option any morel enough roughage to keep his um Depend diapers. His shell is Instead of bringing him to a meet- stool from being constantly still terribly deformed, but xrays ing I decided to send this picture runny. The grass solved that have confirmed that his bones are to the newsletter, along problem. in good shape in spite of the with a couple of management many fractures he incurred as a ideas that might be helpful to Any sulcata owner will attest to baby. The bones healed uneven- other sulcata owners. the prodigious amounts of food Iy, resulting in an overall crooked- one tortoise can consume and ness. He's pretty funny looking for In the summer Fancy has an the resulting amount of poop pro-a sulcata. I have wanted to bring ideal situation. He lives in a huge duced. As Fancy grew, so did the
Page 12
The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society March 2003 Volume 23 Number 3
messes that greeted me in his room at .... board (continued from page 3) the end of each day. In desperation I decided to try diapers. They worked Presidenrs Report: pretty well, but he soon grew out of the
Swinging snake gives jitters to club patrons
biggest baby diapers so I switched to A new board list was passed out for a STAFF REPORT Depend fitted briefs. With only a slight revised contact list. modification in these adult diapers,1
Last updated: Feb 12, 01:54AM
have saved myse~ many hours of Vice-Presidenrs Report: clean up work. I diaper him in the mom- HOLLY HILL -- About 35 people inside ing before leaving for work and then March-White Snake Sale and Photo Chic's genHeman's club Monday night remove the diaper at night. He sleeps diaper free.
As Fancy and I get older and he con
Contest April---Danyl Kams May--Aaron Bauer
tinues to grow, I'll no doubt be faced Old Business: with more management challenges.
got a scare when a customer walked in with a 3 1/2-foot rattlesnake, police said.
No one knew the snake was dead when Renee Molina entered the Ridgewood
Keeping sulcatas in Minnesota isn't .. . Avenuetoplessbarabout11:30p.m.and very practical. I thought I had done my Adoption e<;mmlttee Issue .prese~tation frightened nearly everyone inside as she
h ~'d ed ~ f by Sarah Richard, and a dISCUSSion by swung the reptile around police said. omewo,,, an prepar mysell or th MHSBoardf II ed Th d' . ,
. I trt' bt . aIs e oow. e ISCUSSlon owning a arge o. ~Ise, u anlm centered around promoting a laision with .. have a way of surpnslng even the most th St P I nd M' I' An' I "She threw it up In the air and the dancers . e. au a Inneapo IS Ima well prepared humans. My advice to Co "'01 D rtm Is d t ~, all started running in different directions " . . . nil' epa en ue 0 our wo," ' anyone consldenng the ownership of a 'th . I d lion Th ta a club employee said "It scared the Iffe
• . WI anima a op s. e name g . sulcata would be to VISIT someone who d I'b bo' out of my bartende~" . . an I rary x repairs were . already owns an adutl. I believe that IS d' ed Th '11 b by! h . ISCUSS . ere WI e a aw c ange the only way to get a true picture of . ted' th I tt ~ . f After two customers complained about wh rt" l"k I h Iff d h pnn In e news e er or a reView 0 .: I tie taO ~ are a e an a ome the membership pertaining to counting the snake, which still raWed as Molina
WI a Mng n votes with a vote for the membership in moved it, a manager called Holly Hill If I had it to do over, would I adopt that April. Grent discussions were tabled for police. EVAC ambulance also was little sulcata again? Irs hard to be the next meeting. Participation at the called because patrons were con-objective as I watc~ hi~ toddling new Pet Fair was discussed. New cerned venom may have sprayed around the house In hiS diaper, brochures were ordered along with off the animal. mashed sweet potato and grass stuck bandanas, and new shirts will be ready to his tunny little face like a prickly for Pet Fair. Discussion for a new tax
orange beard, or when the dresser exempt status for symposium tunds was begins moving across the room atop discussed more infonnation needed. chubby tortoise legs. I'd have to say emphatically "YES". But ask me again There were 120 members at the MHS in 40 years when I'm 92 years old, try- Generel Meeting February, 7, 2003.
Molina, who is in her early 30s, reluctantly let police inspect the snake, which she considers a good luck charm, an employee said. Molina was asked to leave
ing to install a 150 pound tortoise into an extre large Depends. I might have a different perspective then. §
but was not arrested. No venom Meeting was adjoumed at 9:45 PM CST. was found. § §
From the Daytona Beach News Journal, 2-12-03
Page 13
by John P. Levell
"Fun with Latin 101 - Why Use Scientific Names Anyway?"
While it may not have mattered much to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, names really are of some importance. Obviously, an absence of names would make a discussion of virtually any topic chaotic at best, if not downright impossible altogether. This is particularly true of the biological sciences where the identities of both animals and plants must somehow be accurately communicated if others are to understand exactly which species are being discussed to begin with.
Compounding this dilemma still further, plants and animals have absolutely no respect for mankind's self imposed political, ethnic and cultural boundaries. Individual species, many sea turtles for example, may occupy or move across huge amounts of territory, which from a purely geopolitical standpoint may encompass not just innumerable nations but entire zoogeographic regions as well. This in effect makes the study of such species a global endeavor, as aspects vital to understanding their life histories may potentially and often do occur in a variety of widely separated locations.
With a few notable exceptions, however, most botanists and zoologists are proficient in only one or two of the world's many languages. Despite this limitation, individuals working with species of wide geo-
Page 14
March 2003 Volume 23 Number 3
graphic distribution must often consult papers and reports of relevance to their studies on a worldwide basis and therefore must be aware of the existence of such publications regardless of the language utilized. Efforts can then be directed toward the extraction of pertinent data including via translation as needed.
Naturally, some "universally" understood method of naming animals and plants is vital if such an exchange of information is to be achieved. Biologists currently accomplish this goal by utilizing the familiar system of binomial nomenclature (literally "two names") first developed by the Swede, Karl von Linne, back in 1737. In this classification scheme, each individual animal and plant is assigned a combination of two separate names that together serve, in theory at least, to uniquely identify that particular species. Thus humans, an animal everyone should know quite well is known scientifically as Homo sapiens.
Genus, which is the first word of these two part names, when translated basically means "group" or "general type." In other words, the genus or "generic" name may be applied to more than one species, which in turn is intended to denote a closer relationship of these species to one another than to species included within any other genus. Returning again to the example of mankind, the genus Homo includes not only modern man but also a number of now
extinct forms such as Java Man, Homo erectus, Neanderthal Man, Homo neanderthalensis, and so on.
As can be seen in the previously used examples, it is the second name in combination with the first that firmly establishes the identity of each species. While Homo encompasses all species of hom in ids both living and extinct, Homo sapiens applies to modern humans alone. The second name, however, cannot properly be termed "specific" as that term must be reserved for the entire binomial, so is instead known as the "trivial" name by scientists.
In order for this system of naming organisms to function properly, a number of basic common sense principals must be strictly adhered to. Obviously, the foremost of these rules is the need to apply genus names to only one group of animals or plants. Not surprisingly considering the number of living and extinct organisms thus far described, inadvertent duplications do occur on occasion. In such instances, historic precedence is used to resolve conflicts, with the first group named retaining its original generic designation.
Trivial names may be used more than once, provided each of the species named belong to a different genus. While the scientific names of the Corn or Red Ratsnake, Elaphe guttata, and the Spotted Turtle, Clemmys guttata, will serve to illustrate this point, numerous additional examples
The Nc,,,slcttcr of the Minnesota Herpetological Society March 2003 Volume 23 Number 3
could be cited as well. As is the case with generic names, historic precedence is again used to resolve any conflict in application.
Other "rules of etiquette" also apply to the proper usage of scientific names. A genus name, for example, always begins with a capital letter regardless of its placement within a sentence, while trivial names are invariably always completely in lower case. Italics, underlining, or some similar "special effect" should likewise be used to differentiate scientific names from other portions of the text.
The use of Latin of Greek in the formation of scientific names also dates back to von Linne, as in his era these two languages were required courses in universities around the world and could be read by virtually every doctor, clergyman, scientist, or lawyer. As he wrote in Latin as well, even Karl von Linne himself is more widely known by his Latinized name, which is Carolus Linnaeus.
While primarily designed for the convenience of biologists, scientific names nevertheless have value for others interested in animals and plants as well. Common names, or example, often change with geographic location. What is called a Spotted Skunk here, is known as the Little Skunk there, and as the Polecat yet somewhere else. Even here in Minnesota, each of our ten or so species of chelonian will be called a "Mud Turtle" by someone.
Still, many non-academics with an interest in amphibians and reptiles seem to dislike scientific names intensely. While a recent propensity for instability and frequent change in long established herpetological nomenclature is
undoubtedly a contributing factor (further discussion on this must await some future date), the most frequent complaints concerning scientific names are that they are hard to pronounce and even more difficult to remember.
Children just about everywhere, on the other hand, spit out words like Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and Stegosaurus every day of the year. Indoor and outdoor gardeners likewise both recognize and readily use names like Begonia, Ficus, Philodendron, Agave, Hibiscus, Aloe, and a host of others too numerous to mention.
A fair number of scientific names are already commonplace elements of discussions at herpetological society meetings, pet stores and other locations as well. Familiar animals like Boa constrictor, Iguana, Python, Caiman, and Alligator to have named but a few. Conveniently known by both scientific and common name and part of the everyday speech of virtually all Americans, these reptile names remain just as readily understood by those able to reading nothing but French, Spanish, German, Russian, Norwegian, Polish, or even Chinese.
While this seems like quite a lot in a name already, there are also the tales scientific names tell themselves. Interesting, often entertaining, and sometimes humorous tales of what words actually mean and why this may have relevance to the species to which they are applied. There is biography and history here as well, stories of those with species named in their honor and an examination into the reasons why. With our monthly allotment of words now exhausted,
however, such tales must await future review.
Until next time, "Nuff Said" -JPL §
YOUNG MAN ALMOST DIES AFTER KISSING RATTLESNAKE Reprinted from the Indianapolis Star, 12/2002 Yacolt, Wash. - A man who was showing off for friends by kissing his new rattlesnake was bitten on the lip and nearly died.
Matt George, 21, was hospitalized in critical condition after the incident Sunday. By Tuesday, his .condition had been upgraded to serious.
George was showing friends the snake he had caught on a recent trip to Arizona. Holding the 2-foot snake behind the head, he kissed it.
After the second kiss, the snake bit him under his mustache. He dropped the snake on the kitchen floor, and a friend killed it with his cowboy boot.
George's face began to swell, he became limp and his eyes rolled back in his head. After George lost consciousness, he was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Portland, Ore.
Reprinted from "The Hoosier", the newsletter of the Hoosier Herpetological Society V14 #1. §
Page 15
~ Th, ",'"',,','",, ... Mhm.",," n,.,..,",,",,""';'" Mo." '"'" V"m ... , '" z . 3J .
Number 3
,s'!2C IE'!:"
COMING TO THE MARCH MEETING .. m
THE ANNUAL MHS
WHITE SNAKE SALE SEE-•••••• PEOPlE SCRAM/llE TO GET THE lAST /lIP IN /lEFORE TIME IS CAllEP!
THRILL •••••• AT HOW YOU'VE JUST PUT All THOSE UNWANTED HERP ITEMS TO COOD USE AND MAlJE ROOM FOR MORE!
MARVEL ••••••• AT THE GREAT DEALS· PEOPLE ARE GETTING ON GREAT STUFF!
Plus, be a judge for the annual Photo and Art Contest.
The White Snake Sale is one of the MHS's biggest fund raisers of the year and we need your support by both donating items in good condition and also by buying items. For information about donating goods, please call Marilyn Blasus at 952-925-4237 or Heather Ingbretson at 763-572-0487.
The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society March 2003 Volume 23 Number 3 ~l.E .
, -" );.
Engfiah Spot Dutch
Jim's Rabbit Shack 'W!>"", Spots Am Top.-
JIMOAlIJGE (763) 295-2818
, . "
8700 Jaber Ava. NS Mon\iceUo, MN 56362
"~12,~M,a~~ .. -_'ffflW.HthU:Hcrr_PGAAPtfV'~-OM -
~~C!f!lI omM Only $5 Per Month ...... $55 Per Year
Oem'\')
Minnesota Herpetological Society Treasurer's Report Prepared by Marilyn Brooks Blasus, Treasurer
For the Month Ending January 31, 2003
Income: Membership Sales (net) Donations Raffle Misc.
Total Income:
Expense: Newsletter Printing and Postage Other Printing and Postage Program Conservation I Donation Supplies and Refreshments Misc.
Total Expense:
Net Gain I (Loss):
$880.00 $398.50 $151.79
$49.50 $357.00
$1,836.79
$723.00 $74.31
$500.00 $1,200.00
$11.48 $518.78
$3,027.57
($1,190.78)
• Reptiles' .hibians' Inverlebrales 'Small Mammals t Fish' CGmplate Line of Cages, food, Books a SUPPlies lot ALL Animals
Houra: Mon •• Fri. 1(1.8
SaL 10-& Sun. 12·5
REPTILES
The LARGEST, BEST Selection in
the Twin CHies Since 1979
2363 Universily Ava. W. S1. Paul, (1/2 Blk E. of Raymond)
(651) 647·4479 www.twincltiesreptiles.com
Page 17
The Newsletter of the Minnesota Hcq)ctological Socicty March 2003 Volume 23 Number 3
Classified Advertisements Classified ads are free to the membership. Deadline is the night of the general meeting for inclusion in the next newsletter. 1.0.0::: male, 0.1.0::: female, 0.0.1 = unsexed, cb = captive bred, obo = or best offer, +::: times run (ads are run 3 times unless specifically requested to continue).
For Sale 2003 Turtle Calendars - Two different formats (Sea Turtle or Plowshare Tortoise covers) $12 each. Can be delivered to the December MHS meeting and/or Holiday Banquet or mailed for $2.50 postage and handling. $1.00 of each calendar sold will be donated to the World Chelonian Trust. John Levell, NorthStar Herpetological Associates, P.O. Box 389, Lanesboro, MN 55949, 507 467-3076 [email protected]. +++ Frozen Rabbits - all sizes. Prices very reasonable - pinkies to adults.
Flightless Fruitflies - Excellent food for dart frogs, mantellas, hatchling geckos, baby chameleons, spiderlings, and other small herps. Two species available: Drosophila meianogaster (small) and Drosophila hyde; (large). $5/culture or $25/6 CUltures. Each culture contains 30 to 50 adult flies and has potential to produce several hundred young. Also, Mealworms, two sizes available -regular and mini. $5/1000. Can be delivered to MHS meetings. Call Tony Gamble 612-747-6682 or email tgam[email protected] +++
FOR SALE: 2.0 Chinese Leopard Geckos (Goniursaurus araneus) $100 ea; 0.0.10 Viper Gecko $40 ea; 1.0 Belize Banded Gecko (Coleonyx eleganus) $100; 1.2 Albino Leopard Gecko - Rainwater strain $300/trio; 1.1 Albino Leopard Gecko - Bell strain $300/pair. Call Jodi L. Aherns 612.588.9329 or email to [email protected]++
For Sale: Leopard geckos, leucistic (patternless) x high yellow cross $20.00. Leucistic x albino cross $25.00. Discounts on two or more. Call Craig 952-368-9689 +++
Page 18
FOR SALE: 0.0.6 Black Ratsnakes (E.o.obsoleta), $10.00 each. Contact D.K.Compton, 612.872.7266 or compto01 @tc.umn.edu+++
FOR SALE: One female ablino or amelanistic corn snake - it is bright orange, pink red and white, so you can choose either of the types you wish to decribe it. She has laid eggs for the last 6 years, is 10 years old and about 4 feet long. I've never had a prolem with feeding or handling, this is a very mellow critter. $60.00. Call 507-536-9575 or email to jsummerfield8@charter.net+++
Wanted Wanted: All the shed snake skins in the world. Needed for giveaways to kids at educational programs. Call Bob Duerr 651-489-5087
Mice Pinkies Fuzzies Hoppers Adults
$7/dz -Rats Pinkies $9/dz
$7/dz Euzzies $15/dz
$8/dz SmAduit $18/dz
$10/dz Med Adult $24/dz
!.gAdult $301dz
Jumbo $36/dz
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 wilh Jody Holmstrom aI651.224.7212 or [email protected]
•
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®l§lJ' W@[)1)OO 1Nll§®®&'®l§ lJ'@ W@[)1)OO lJ'&'OO®l§lJ' &'[)1)@Ol§~©l§ W!JOlJ'1}{I &. 119~
1P&'@l§ &'I!))o
$11 ® 1P~1ru Il'll@OOll'1}I] $1111® 1P~1ru W~~Iru"
'12th month is free on a one year commitment
MHSAD RATES Business card
1/4 Page 1/2 Page Full Page
$5/Month $55Near* $10/Month $110Near* $20/Month $220Near* $40/Month $440Near*
•
• •
Advertising Policies
MHS Ad Policy: The MHS assumes NO RESPONSIBILITY regarding the heallh 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 Newsletler 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 ran three consecutive months, after which time they may be resubmitted. Corresponding members are allowed a complimentary business card advertisement monthly as space permits. Due to federal restrictions on Non-profit mall* lng permits, we are not allowed to run ads for travel, credit or Insurance agencies.
Submissions: All advertisements should be submitted to the MHS Editor, Bell * Note: 12th month is free on a one year commitment Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Deadline
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'~ > Is the night of the General Meeting for Inclusion In the next newsletter. Make checks (!II • payable to: Minnesota Herpetological Society.
r-----------------------------------------------, Minnesota Herpetological Society Membership Application :
New Name
Renewal Address
Membershipll City, State, Zip,
Type Phone Email List in MHS Directory? Yes No
Check # Herp related interests
h' .. Active Members IpS. Sustaining ($60/year) Contributing ($30/year) BaSIC ($15/year)
I Corresponding Memberships: Basic Commercial ($25/year 2 Bus Cards) Bronze ($50/year 21/4 pg ads) I
Silver ($75/year 21/2 pg Ads) Gold ($100/year 2 Full pg Ads) : Required check info. Drivers Lic # State DOB I Please enclose the proper payment with your application. Make Checks Payable To: Minnesota Herpetological Society. I Membership is for 12 months from the date of approval, a receipt will be sent only upon request. Mail to: Minnesota I Herpetological Society, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church SI. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Please allow 6·8 weeks I for processing. I
I L _______________________________________________ ~
1IF./I
~~";. ~ MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY , • BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ~ . 10 CHURCH STREET SE
,s. MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104 ~1E1
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
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PAID Mpls, MN
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POSTMASTER: DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DELIVER BY MARCH 3
UNIVERSITV OF MINNESOTA~ ST. PAUL CAMPUS
~(O Hwy36
~I tARPENTEUR 10 Snl;lflirrg---:;..
~-i FOLWELL =::J § 0l'u'<or
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Next Meeting: Friday, March 7, 2002 7:00PM Room 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M SI. Paul Campus
MHS Voice Mail: 612.624,7065
MHS Web Page: www.bellmuseum.org/herpetology/main.html