NEWSLETTER OF THE

MINNESOTA

HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY

OCTOBER 1995 VOLUME XV NUMBER 10 BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREET SOUTH EAST MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

D h b f h d d h . h b bl d 'M o you ever ave a questIon a out one 0 your erps an won cr W 0 mIg tea e to prOVI c an answer', ost peap e , who keep pets of any kind have been is this situation at one time or another. A group of 1rIHS members has volunteered i

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to provide assistance. Listed below are the people and their specialties. Please be reasonable about the time of day and i how frequently you calL

I Large pythons and constrictors Terrestrial turtles and tortoises Glen (Jake) Jacobsen 757-8268 John Moriarty 647-1334 Karl Hermann 730-6265 Ann Porwoll 489-7853

Glen (Jake) Jacobsen 757-8268 Other Snakes

John Meltzer 263-7880 Aqnatic Turtles John or Connie Levell 374-5422 Gary Ash 753-0218 Jeff LeClere 488-6388 John Levell 374-5422

Amphibians Minnesota Herps John Meltzer 263-7880 John Moriary 647-1334 Greg Kvanbek 533-7723 Greg Kvanbek 533-7723

Jeff LeClere 488-6388 Lizards

Nancy Haig 434-8684 Crocodilians Bill Moss 488-1383 Jeff Lang (701) 772-0227

Education Contact Adoption Contact Sean Hewitt 935-5845 Glen (Jake) Jacobsen 757-8268

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

MHS VOICE MAIL PHONE NUMBER: 624 - 7065

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

Bill Moss Greg Kvanbek George Richard Randy Blasus Marilyn Brooks John Levell Gary Ash Dan Bergquist Barbara Radanke James Rea Siri Rea

SNAKEBITE EMERGENCY

HENNEPIN REGIONAL POISON CENTER

MINNESOTA POISON CONTROL SYSTEM LOCAL OUT OF STATE

(612) 347-3141

(612) 221-2113 (800) 222-1222

(612) 488-1383 (612) 533-7723 (612) 623-7620 (612) 925-4237 (612) 925-4237 (612) 374-5422 (612) 753-0218 (612) 624-7065 (612) 291-1132 (612) 457-8107 (612) 457-4636

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

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Newsletter Volume XV Number 10 October 1995

CONTENTS

Editorial.. ......................................................................................... . Upcoming Meeting Highlights by Greg K vanbeek .................................. .. Letter to the Editor ............................................................................ .. News and Notes ................................................................................. . Meeting Review by Randy Blasus ........................................................ .. Ecoviews Do Duck Staunps Save Wetlands? by Wbit Gibbons .................... . Notes from tbe Hinterland: Clinch of the Titans by Todd Daniels ................ . Camp Ripley Site Survey by Bill Moss ................................................ .. Recent Herpetological Publications in Popular Periodicals by J.P. Levell .... .. Adios Amigo .................................................................................... . Calendar of Events ............................................................................. . MHS Business .................................................................................. . Classified Advertisements ................................................................... ..

Going, Going, ...... Gone!

1 2 2 3 5 6 7 8 10 13 14 15 16

Despite the somewhat balmy weather we've enjoyed for at least part of October here in Minnesota, I'm afraid we must admit to ourselves, and to the rest of the world for that matter, that our summer is in reality over. Without a doubt frost on the windshield, piles of pumpkins, trees bedecked in yellow, orange, red and brown foliage, and cold, gray, windy days give fair warning of the long winter ahead. In retrospect, bowever, I realize that wbile seemingly short, tbis past summer bas indeed been exciting, busy, and full of memorable experiences. Besides the usual (and ever increasing) meetings, expos, etc., I have somebow managed to "sandwich in" a fairly substantial amount of field time, not just here in Minnesota but in Colorado, South Dakota, Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida, and the Bahamas as well. In each of tbese locations a tremendous variety of wildlife was observed, including many species of ampbibians and reptiles. American Crocodiles, Curly-tailed Lizards and Florida Box Turtles, to name a few species, were encountered in the wild by this editor for the first time, and eacb of these summertime memories help make the thought of the wintry future at least somewbat bearable. Eventually some record of each of these adventures will find their way into the pages of this newsletter, in fact, some already have. You too can sbare your adventures with tbe rest of us by submitting your observations to this newsletter. It doesn't matter if they're long or short, serious or fun, they'll all be greatly appreciated. Besides, what else is there to do, herpetologieally anyway, on a long, cold winter night. JPL

Next Newsletter Deadline: November 3, 1995

Send all submissions to: MHS Editor

Ben Museum of Natural History 10 Church St. SE

Minneapolis, MN 55455-01 04

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MHS News/etler Volume XV Number 10

Upcoming Meeting Highlights

November Program: Milksnake Madness Captive Care & Breeding of Lampropeltis

Guest Speaker: Brent Peugnet

I guess that we all succumb to peer pressure from time to time, and for the last several months my peers bave been pressuring me to line up a snake talk. We really don't have that many snake programs, even though snakes as a group are the most popular critters in the herp hobby.

One of the most popular snake groups is the genus Lampropeitis, the Milksnakes and Kingsnakes. Many of these animals are brightly colored, and are sometimes referred to as "tri-colors" due to the red, black, and yellow or white banded patterns. As a group, the Milksnakes and Kingsnakes are found from southern Canada all the way to northern South America (including parts of Minnesota). There are currently eight recognized species and many subspecies of Lampl'Opeitis. Many, if not all, of these snakes are highly prized by herp

November Meeting

Location: Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus Time: November 3, 1995 - 7:00 p.m.

General meetings of the MHS are usually held at DorJaug Han on the St. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota (see map below). In addition to the scheduled speaker, monthly meetings also feature Critter of the Month, so remember to bring your animals and, if possible, a container to display them in. Other regular meeting activities include; Adoptions and the MHS Library.

UNIVERSITY Of MLNNESOTA-ST. PAUL CAMPUS

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hobbyists, due to their attractive markings, small size, and their (usually) gentle disposition.

Our November speaker; Brent Peugnet, like many of us has been an amphibian and reptile enthusiast pretty much all his life. He has been a serious snake breeder for about seven years, and he currently has between 150 - 170 breeder animals. He raises both the snakes and the rodents to feed them in their own climate controlled building. Here in Minnesota, we usually have a challenge keeping our herps wann enough. Brent, however, lives just outside of Phoenix, Arizona where his challenge is keeping these animals from overheating. Brent will have slides of his building, his animals, and many other neat things. Plan on attending this meeting as it is sure to be a good one, especially if you are interested in Lampropeitis. See you there' Greg

Letter to the MHS Editor

Dear #@*!>+@ Editor,

As a long time member of the Minnesota Herpetological Society, I feel that I must point out the fact that it has always been the policy of the MHS to NOT RECOMMEND the keeping of venomous reptiles by private individuals. It has, furthermore, been an equally long standing policy to not accept venomous reptile advertisements for inclusion in the Classified Ads section of the MHS newsletter. In fac~ the MHS has always tried to get these types of animals "out of circulation" whenever possible and place them in a responsible facility.

I was therefore greatly disturbed and disappointed to see an ad regarding venomous snakes in the Sept., 1995 edition of this newsletter. I personally feel that the ad in question is inconsistent with long standing MHS policies and that it may, in fact, convey the wrong "message" to members of our society. I strongly urge you to discontinue this ad immediately!

Signed, A #@*!>+@ MHS Member

Editor's Note: Dear MHS Member, Point well taken! I must point out, however,

that the ad only offers to provide homes for unwanted specimens and does not offer to sell, or purchase for that matter, venomous snakes. Obviously, this complicates my decision regarding the ad's suitability immensely. So far, your's is the only comment received regarding this matter and I'm awaiting further comment from the MHS membership before taking further action.

Your#@*!>+@ Editor, JPL

MRS Newslerter Volume XV Number 10

NEWS AND NOTES

Threatened Species

Agile Frog Ran" dalmatina and other Jersey Amphibians

Jersey's Agile Frog population - the only one in the British Isles - is found in the island's south-west comer. This population declined until it has virtually disappeared over recent years, but the precise reason is not known. There may be pollution from agricultural fertilizers and pesticides which run off the fields into the water course.

Toads, Bujo bujo, also seem to be disappearing in the wild, but are fairly common in garden ponds. Wild Palmate Newts, Tritul'us helveticus, are abundant, but there is real concern about the Jersey population of Agile Frogs.

Local conservationists began to raise the alarm a few years ago. With staff from the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust (JWPT) reptile house, they attempted to solve some of the problems. They looked at all the known breeding ponds each February and March night last year and in 1993. Not a single frog was seen or heard, no spawn found, and the . situation looked bleak for the last natural populallon of frogs in Jersey.

The Trust was asked to help save the Agile Frog in winter 1992. A special enclosure was built in the zoo that had a pond ftlled with rain water and planted with suitable plants. When spring arrived and the frogs came out of hibernation, five were captured from garden ponds and placed in our new enclosure. This resulted in a total of five adults and eighteen youngsters by the end of summer 1993. In addition to the zoo's group, three other colonies were set up in private ponds.

Luckily, everything went to plan - in captivity at least. In the zoo, three clumps of spawn were laid in 1994 and another four in private ponds. Many eggs hatched and the tadpoles turned into frogs. While efforts are being made to solve problems in the wild, more frogs will be put in private ponds around the island to increase the captive population. A number will also be released in a couple of carefully chosen natural ponds where they can be monitored.

Agile Frogs are pale brown with darker blotches on the body and bands around the legs. They are darker brown around the ears with a dark brown stripe through the eyes. Some have a yellow-green tinge on the belly. They can be up to 9 cm from the tip of the snout to rump. Their hind legs are long and help them move on land by leaping and in water by swimming. In contrast to Common Toads that have dry, rough, warty skins, Agile Frogs have moist. smooth skin.

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North Atlantic Ocean

. ~.

_. ;',,: '_:}~:.':.'::::-,,·_~>_-,,~~d'n,~ "'<GrEtat Britahi -

Map of Jersey and the other Chanllel Islands

Agile Frogs are widely distributed in southern Europe, except for Theria. There are isolated colonies in northern Germany, Denmark, southern Sweden and Jersey. They are found in woods and swampy meadows and usually live in fairly damp habitats.

During the breeding season from February to April, large numbers of frogs gather in available ponds. The males sing in chorus, starting quietly and tending to increase in loudness. They develop thick pads on the big toes of their front legs. These are used to grasp the females while mating. Eggs are fertilized as they are laid in large clumps of 2,000 or more.

The black, circular eggs, surrounded by jelly, develop and hatch into tadpoles that feed on algae at ftfst, then microscopic water creatures. As the tadpoles grow bigger, their back legs develop first, followed by the front legs. Soon after this, the tail begins to shorten and the newly metamorphosed young frogs move from water to land. They are small and usually difficult to identify.

The project to rescue the Jersey population of Agile Frogs is a combined effort of the Jersey Ecology Group, the island's Planning and Environment Corrunittee, La Societe Jersiaise and the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust.

Editor's Note: The preceding article, author unknown, originally appeared in issue number 38 of The Dodo Dispatch, the official publication of the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust's (JWPT) Dodo Club. Founded by the late Gerold Durrell, noted zoologist and author, the JWPT zoological facility on the island of Jersey has been a leader in the conservation of the world's endangered animals, including amphibians and reptiles, for over 3 decades. Part of the Channel Islands (see map above). Jersey is a British Crown dependency, despite being located less than 30 miles off the coast of France. JPL

MRS Newsletter Volume XV Number 10

Soggy Bangkok in Crocodile Frenzy as Sightings Rise with Floodwaters

Bangkok, Thailand The reported sighting of a crocodile in one of

Bangkok's flood-swollen canals Thursday launched a media frenzy and prompted Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-arch to order police checks.

Wang Yinphida, 23, whose home fronts a suburban canal, said he saw a 6-foot-long crocodile emerge from floodwaters and try to attack dogs locked in a pen.

After failing to break in, the reptile -presumed to have escaped from a local crocodile farm - crawled back into the canal and disappeared, Wang told police.

The report immediately drew more than 100 reporters to the area. Although Banharn Silpa-arch said he was skeptical of the report, he ordered government officials to investigate the sighting.

"Many of the streets in this area are under at least one meter of water, so we have warned people to stay inside and avoid unnecessary trips," said Suwanna Somin, a local official.

Bangkok is braced for what's expected to be one of the worst floods in its water-logged history as high tides in the Gulf of Thailand and record levels of the Chao Phraya river combine to swamp the city of 10 million.

Reports last week that nationwide flooding from monsoon rains had allowed 300 crocodiles to escape from the Sri Racha crocodile farm turned out to be false. But crocodile sightings have persisted, and three crocodiles were caught by farmers near the Nakorn Sawan crocodile farm, 144 miles north of Bangkok.

Officials have expressed fears that about 100 crocodiles may have escaped from the Nakorn Sawan farm, Thailand's biggest, after the area was flooded.

There was speculation that some of the crocodiles could have found their way into the Chao Phraya, which flows into Bangkok and feeds into the city's canal network.

Editor's Note: The preceding article; an Associated Press release, author unknown, was originally published in the Sept. 29 edition of the Mpls Star Tribune. JPL

MHS Paints Bridge

The U of M Student Chapter of the MHS has completed painting two panels on the Washington Ave. Pedestrian Bridgc. One panel features the MRS Logo, while the other bears the following inscription; For People Who Care About Amphibians and Reptiles, along with the MHS telephone number. The project was designed and organized by Student Chapter President Siri Rea. JPL.

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October "Critter of the Month"

Randy Blasus Fox Snake Elaphe vulpilla

Becky Helgesen Homed Lizard Plllynosoma sp.

Robyn Hill Three-toed Box Turtles Terrapene carolina triunguis

Todd Cinn White's Tree Frog Litoria caentlea Tiger Salamanders Ambystoma tigrinum

Jeff LeClere Western Hognose Snake Heterodon nasicus Bullsnake Pituophis catellifer sayi

Ted Welter Ornate Box Turtle Terrapelle ornata

John Levell Gulf Coast Box Turtle Terrapelle carolina major

Do You Go To Hugo?

On October 7 at 1 :00 pm. the MHS conducted it's initial cleanup for the Adopt-a-Highway program. Our segment is 2.25 miles long on Highway 35E from County Road 14 (Hugo exit) to 80th St. East. Co. Rd. 14 is about 9 ntiles north of 1-694. Volunteers met at the Park and Ride lot on Ottertail Lake Rd., the 1st right tum east of the Hugo exit. Within the next several weeks, the MNIDOT will erect two signs, as pictured here.

During the cleanup, 3 live Couunon Garter Snakes, Thamllophis sirtalis, were sighted. Other DOR herps included; Leopard Frogs, Rana pipiens, Tiger Salamanders, Ambystoma tigrillum, and Painted Turtles, Chrysemys piela.

The Society thanks the following members who volunteered: Kathy and Dave Boron, George Germann, Gordon Merck, Siri, Karin, and James Rea, Jon Schraer, and Jody and Roger Statz.

Please consider volunteering for future cleanups. Cleanups have been tentatively scheduled for the months of April, July. and October at 1:00 pm. on the Saturday of the weekend following the weekend of the Society meeting. Watch for sign up sheets at those meetings. This is a great way to get to know other members and earn volunteer hours for one of those "priceless" MHS coffee mugs. Thanks James Rea.

MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 10

,General Meeting Review By: Randy Blasus, Recording Secretary

Most people who are vaguely familiar with Iowa picture a flat land covered by com and little else, Jeff LeClere, who has lived in that state, told not only of that familiar sigbt of agriculture in progress, but also of some of the few remaining natural wild areas, Some of these untilled lands still barbor herps that otberwise no longer occur in the state as a whole, Jeff feels that Minnesota's herpetofauna is in better shape because we have less land that is so intensively worked, Jeff has not only herped this state, but also has worked in Iowa witb one of tbat state's herpetologists, Dr, James Cbristiansen, Dr, Christiansen is a professor of Biology at Drake University in Des Moines, and is tbe co-autbor of a three volume publication on the herps of Iowa; The Snakes of Iowa, The Lizards and Turtles of Iowa, and The Salamanders and Frogs of Iowa, part of tbe Iowa Department of Natural Resources' Nongame Tecbnical Series,

Iowa bas twenty-seven non-venomous and four venomous species of snakes; sixteen different frogs and toads; five salamanders; five lizards; and thirteen species of turtle, A pretty good number in alJ, However, not all of tbese species are doing well, While some forms are maintaining stable popUlations, many species are in decline and a few were never too plentiful,

Iowa bas many of the same species that occur in Minnesota, plus a bast of otber species that come to tbe end of tbeir range in tbe state, Some of tbose animal s, sucb as the Lined Snake, Tropidoelonion lineatum (a recent discovery in Minnesota), bave a range tbat barely enters our state, Other animals that are common in Iowa, such as tbe Cricket Frog, Aeris erepitans, were known to bistoricalJy occur in Minnesota, However, populations of these animals can no longer be found in our state, There are also occurrences of subspecies which are unfamiliar to us, One example of this would be the Black Hills Redbelly Snake, Storeria occipitomaculata pahasapae, wbich is differentiated from the familiar Northern Redbelly, Storeria 0,

oecipiromaeulata, by the Iigbt nape spots being very small or lacking and by tbe absence of a light spot on tbe 5th upper labial scale,

Several other species reacb the end of their range in southern or eastern Iowa, The SpeckJed King Snake, Lamprope/tis getula holbrooki, is one of those animals, althougb they were probably never very common in tbe state, Otber berps are endangered from habitat loss, Unique communities of arid prairie and loess bluffs are on the verge of disappearing in the state, Such sandy areas are tbe favored babitat of the Western Hognose Snake, Heterodon nasicus,

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Other animals can be endangered because of personal beliefs, The Prairie Rattlesnake, Crotalus viridis, for example, is doing very poorly due in part to one person who believed that they should not exist in the state, This individual had a personal campaign to eradicate them from Iowa and killed hundreds of animals, He now resides behind bars, however, Other species are still persisting in spite of the odds stacked against them, Jeff bas found through his experiences that Fox Snakes, Elap/ze vulpina, seem to tolerate man's activities the best, as he often fmds tbem near newly developed or disturbed areas where other snake species seem to have already disappeared,

Amphibians seem to be doing well in Iowa with a few exceptions, One of these would be the Cricket Frog wbicb seems to be decl ining in the northern part of the state, Several species of ampbibians are listed as endangered, including the Mud Puppy, Neetllms maculosus, Jeff feels that tbere may be more of this species out there then is currently recognized simply because no one is doing any field work on tbese animals, Tbe Bullfrog, Rona eatesbeiana, on tbe other band, is doing very well, These frogs are Iowa's largest and can obtain lengths up to eigbt inches!

The turtles of Iowa have similar problems to tbose residing in our state, The Wood Turtle, Clemmys inseulpta, and the Yellow Mud Turtle, Kinostemonjlaveseens, both are declining due to buman intrusions and babitat alteration, Others sucb as tbe Alligator Snapper, Maeroclemys temminekii, occupy only a smalJ range in tbe state, Most of the remainder of the aquatic species seem to be doing well, The one terrestrial species, the Ornate Box Turtle, Terrapene ornata, is also in decline as populations known from the past no longer exist. Their dependence on arid sandy soil types restricts tbem to the dwindling babitat remaining,

Finally, no review could do justice to this speaker unless it also mentioned Jeffs one true passion, Water Snakes! Especially Nortbern Watersnakes, Nerodia sipedon, as you may have already guessed, Tbese nasty, smelly, large, vicious animals bave found a special place in Jeff s heart, He likes them because not only are they a challenge to catcb due to their keen eyesigbt; but wben tbey are caugbt the difficulty is only beginning! Not only do tbese animals poop allover, spray musk, and bite repeatedly; what is even better is tbat tbeir saliva contains anticoagulants so that your blood doesn't clot rigbt away, "Its great!" says Jeff, "and afterwards you can go around and sbow your scars off to people; it's kind of neat." 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 10

ECOVIEWS

DO DUCK STAMPS SAVE WETLANDS? by Whit Gibbons

What has football done for ecology, other than kept a lot of little children outside? Dave Butz, fonner defensive tackle for the Washington Redskins, has made his contribution. Butz recently served as an official judge in a contest important for wetland preservation. The event was the 1994 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). The contestants enter designs for the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, better known as the Duck Stamp.

A new stamp is produced each year. Almost half a billion dollars has been raised since 1934 when the program started. Any waterfowl hunter over 16 must buy the $15 Duck Stamp. Purchases can be made beginning July 1 at U.S. Post Offices, national wildlife refuges, and some sporting goods stores.

Why do people who never hunt ducks buy Duck Stamps? Because, says FWS Director Mollie Beattie, the stamps "directly contribute to wildlife conservation." An interest in habitat preservation is reason enough to participate. For every dollar collected, 98 cents goes to purchase wetland habitat. Sixty years of Duck Stamp sales have generated enough money to purchase 4.2 million acres of wetlands for the National Wildlife Refuge System. With 290,000 acres of wetlands being lost annually, the program is vital.

This year, 585 designs were entered in the contest. As always, only one was chosen for first place. The winner was Jim Hautman of Minnesota with an acrylic painting of two mallards in flight. His older brother Robert took second place with a painting of a Canada Goose. An even older brother won the 1991 competition. Presumably all of them hunt ducks when not painting.

The winning artists are not paid by the federal government but eam money from the sale of prints and other royalties. Many recent winners have become millionaires. Another financial aspect is that Duck Stamps are collector's items. Because unsold stamps are destroyed after three years, an entire set would be extremely valuable. The first stamp, produced in 1934 and signed by the artist, "Ding" Darling, was sold in 1989. The buyer insured the stamp for $300,000.

But the most important financial benefit from the sale of Duck Stamps has been the millions of dollars in revenue used to preserve wetlands. And the program has done an admirable job in safeguarding wetlands throughout the country. Overall, this is a fantastic program.

Nonetheless, I have some reservations about how the protection of these wetlands is defined. One

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might argue that the definition should be left to the users of Duck Stamps, people who contribute fmancially to the acquisition of the wetlands. But I believe they will do themselves a service if they consider the whole ecosystem rather than just the ducks themsel ves.

I can accept that only certain wetlands are preserved, namely those used in some way by ducks. But in some areas certain parts of the natural, protected wetland habitat itself are not preserved. Some programs intentionally eliminate native predators on waterfowl.

For example, many duck lovers and wetlands managers consider Snapping Turtles to be a menace to young waterfowl. Likewise, Raccoons and Rat Snakes are unwanted guests because they eat duck eggs. Many waterfowl managers, including a few of my friends, view predators on ducks as incompatible with the goal of producing ducks. At first glance their logic seems sound - if the objective is to preserve one species, getting rid of any species that preys on it sounds like a reasonable policy.

However, if the Duck Stamp is to be promoted as a way to preserve wetlands, then no natural wildlife component that is part of that wetland habitat should be destroyed. Preserve the habitat, and waterfowl will persist. The problem for ducks (and other wildlife) is too few wetlands, not too many predators.

Without a doubt, some innocent and healthy ducks are consumed by predators. But often the ducks eaten are those less fit for survival, the sick or weak animals; those that survive are the strongest. The overall, long-tenn effect of living in natural habitats with all native inhabitants intact is positive for ducks, as well as for the other species that collectively comprise the wetlands. Preserve enough wetlands and all their inhabitants, and the ducks will take care of themselves.

Editor's Note: Dr. J. Whitfield Gibbons is professor of ecology at the University of Georgia and is the division head at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory in Aiken, South Carolina. Probably best known for his books including; Their llIood Runs Cold, The Life History and Ecology of the Slider Turtle and Keeping all the Pieces among others, Dr. Gibbons also writes a weekly syndicated column [or the New York Times Regional News. The preceding article is one installment of this column and has been provided for publication in the MRS Newsletter througb the kindness of Dr. Gibbons. 0000000000000000000

MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 10

Notes from the Hinterlands (Dodge County in Southeast MN)

Chapter 2: Clinch of the Titans

Dear John,

I'm obsessed with eanling credits toward the herper's holy grail: an MHS Coffee Mug!! Accordingly, here's a slightly irreverent submission. Todd

This has been an interesting summer for us herp lovers out in the sticks in Dirge County. On May 21, as my wife Lauri and I were sitting on a big' rock overlooking our pond, we saw a disturbance on the surface of the far bay. We sat and watched for several minutes and I couldn't for the life of me t1gure out what it was. One minute it looked like a log in the water, the next it would disappear, but most of the time it would appear to be something slowly rolling over and over in the bay. It was too big to be the pair of muskrats that raise a family each year in a burrow in pond's bank. Then we saw a great webbed paw raised in the air and all I could t1gure was a pair of river otters (which I think don't live around here) or maybe the Creature from the Black Lagoon (which would be cool, but unlikely). I sat there transfixed, eyes glazed and mouth hanging open (what we in Dirge County call the body language of concentration), with visions of the new species I'd discovered in my pond and named Neweritterus toddellS danie/sus. While I was thusly engaged, Lauri was doing something constructive and getting the binoculars.

What we saw through the glasses was enough to send shivers down the spine of any erstwhile skinny-dipper; a pair of BIG Snapping Turtles, Chelydra serpentina, mating. The rolling in the water must bave been the male trying to get into position. By the time we bad tbe binoculars, the turtles were mating. They were in about a foot and a balf of water in the weedy bay, and one could only see tbe top of tbe male's sbell and occasionally a bead poking up to look around and take a breath of air. We sneaked up and hid behind a Quaking Aspen and watcbed tbem for anotber 15 minutes -- does this make us resourceful t1eld scientists or just disgusting voyeurs? Tbe two Snappers were the same size -­about 14 incbes in carapace length -- and I couldn't t1gure out if it was the same evil looking head poking up intermittentiy or if tbe male and female were taking turns breathing. Either way, my nighunares the next few nights had me swimming in sweat as I dreamed of swimming in a pond witb a vindictive snapper named Lorena. Yikes! That's one of the interesting things about being a herp lover: I've been drawn to scaly critters since I can remember, but I still get shivers wben I'm surprised by a Garter Snake underfoot or see a Snapper big enougb to permanently alter nocturnal activities.

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I was amazed that two big Snappers, male and female, had independently walked overland to our pond. We've released Painted Turtles, C/zrysemys pieta, there, so I have no idea if Painters would walk distances overland -- although two years ago I found a female Painter returning from laying eggs and she was three hundred feet away from, and completely out of sight of, the pond. On June 22 of this year, I spied a Painter laying eggs in a downpour about fifteen feet from the water. I soon realized that she had a mucb better excuse than me to be out in the rain, so I slogged back to the house, stood there dripping water on the floor and I got yelled at.

I cracked a can of Old Mill Lite, belched refiectively, and murmured "It don't get no better than thisl lt

Well that's enougb (and perhaps too mucb) from Dirge County. Todd Daniels

Editor's Note:

Dear Todd and Lauri Too,

Tbanks for your submissions, tbey've been great so keep'em coming! You know you guys are well on your way to qualifying for a "priceless" MRS mug and witb one or two more entries like this you'll bave defmitely earned it. Maybe Lauri sbould write one on living witb you (just kidding). Really though, I sincerely appreciate the input. It sbows that even MRS members finding it impractical to earn volunteer hours by attending "hands on" programs, whatever, can still receive a "herper's holy grail" by writing for this newsletter.

Looking forward to bearing from ya'lI soon. JPL

MRS Newsletter Volume XV Number 10

Camp Ripley Site Survey Morrison County, MN

By: Bill Moss

The Camp Ripley Army National Guard Training Site is a beautiful 53,000 acre plot of land measuring approximately 22 miles long by 8 miles wide located between Little Falls and Brainerd Minnesota in northwestern Morrison, County (T130 to 133N, R29 & 30W). It is a diverse prairie-hardwood transition zone consisting of a variety of habitat types including open grasslands, scattered wetlands, marshes, a black ash swamp and large blocks of contiguous oak forest (Merrill 1994). In addition to having over 600 plant species, 123 summer resident bird species, 48 mammal species and 58 fish species, it is aiso home to 22 species of reptiles and amphibians.

As part of a long term program funded by state, national and international branches of the military to minimize the impact of military activities on natural communities, the Minnesota DNR was contracted to hire biologists to survey animal communities on the base. Sam Merrill, a Wildlife Research Biologist, was hired in 1994 to continue ongoing surveys and develop new projects tailored to the rare and endangered species on the base.

I met with Sam at the Minnesota Amphibian and Reptile Status and Conservation symposium held in May of this year (1995) at the Bell Museum of Natural History. We talked about some of the projects he is conducting at Camp Ripley, and I offered the services of the MHS to provide manpower to help with Blanding's Turtle, Emydoidea blandingi/, survey activities. My offer was readily accepted.

On June 24 MHS members Michael and Donna Gaunt, Michael Howard, John and Connie Levell and myself met with Sam and his site survey people, Bill Brown and Jon Zellmer, at the Environmental office at Camp Ripley. We had an opportunity to look around the office while waiting for everyone to gather. The office doubles as a natural history educational facility for area school children and runs about 10,000 students through it per year. The entire classroom perimeter is display after display of animal mounts and other biological curiosities that are found on the Camp Ripley site.

Once everyone had arrived, we set out into the woods to begin our search for Blanding's Turtle nesting sites. The Blanding's Turtle nests are differentiated from the nests of the Painted Turtle, Chrysemys pieta, by the size of the depression left in the mound by the plastron of the female as she covers her eggs. Jon Zellner, who has done extensive survey work in Wisconsin, felt that the best opportunity the find

8

fresh nests is in either the morning or in the late afternoon. We spent the morning walking through areas targeted by Sam and his crew as being good potentiai nesting sites. We found many predated Painted Turtle nests and three probable Blanding's Turtle nests which appeared to have been only partially predated. The Blanding's nest locations were mapped and marked to be protected later with wire mesh. As a side-note, I will say that it's a little disconcerting to be out in the ntiddle of the woods and hearing both large and small caliber guns fIring in the distance, even though we were not close to the firing ranges. Around noon we broke for lunch.

Early in the evening we set out again but to a different area. This survey site was a freshly plowed field bordered on two sides by a sland of oaks and on two sides by marshes. We spread out and walked the field but found no Blanding's Turtles or nest sites. We did, however, find a Painted Turtle in the process of laying her eggs, so the evening wasn't a complete bust.

The next morning, after spending the night camping in a nearby KOA, we set out again into the interior of Camp Ripley. This time we didn't frud any Blanding's nests, but we did find more Painted Turtle nests. These nests were found primarily along the sandy sides of the roads. All had been predated as the egg shell remnants were scattered about in front of the nest sites.

We found in total three Blanding's nests and probably a dozen Painted Turtle nests, all of which had been predated by the skunks or raccoons in the area. We didn't see any Blanding's Turtles, but we did fmd three live Eastern Garter Snakes, Thamnophis sirtalis, and one Northern Red-bellied Snake, Storeria oecipitomaeulata, that was dead on the road, plus the nesting Painted Turtle mentioned previously. We ourselves were found by about a bizzillion (a technical term for an unbelievable nnmber) of hungry mosquitoes and biting flies. It's a little disconcerting to be walking around in fields while machine guns and large caliber guns are firing off in the distance. The daily ranges are clearly defmed, however, so there was no danger of any strays beading our way.

All of us had a great time belping with this survey. Sam expressed his appreciation for the MHS's help. He said tbat he would appreciate our help again next spring as funding has been approved for Blanding's research in Fiscal Year 1996. We would help bait and

set traps for Blanding's Turtles, as well as help fit them with radio transmitters. He would also like us to help tlnd a couple more snake species that he feels are likely candidates to occur on the site but as yet have not been found, specifically the Bullsnake. Pituophis eatenifer sayi, and the Western Hognose Snake, Heterodon nasieus. Watch future editions of this newsletter for more information about this spring 11eld trip.

I think it is tremendous that our membership is involving itself with this type of conservation work in Minnesota. In tbe past few years we have done at least three site surveys and have helped with other projects such as; the frog-crossing area in western Hennepin county, a monetary donation to Hennepin Parks for radio transmitters, and the on-going Minnesota Frog and Toad Survey. We are also just beginning a new higbway clean-up project along highway 35E in Hugo. By participating in these activities we are fulfilling one of the charter goals of the MHS, promoting the conservation and preservation of reptiles and amphibians and their babitats.

Map of Camp Ripley, Morrison County, MN

9

,HHS Newsletter Volume XV Number /0

Amphibian and Reptile Species Recorded from Camp Ripley,

Morrison County, MN (As provided by Merrill, 1995)

Tiger Salamander Blue-spotted Salamander Central Newt

Cope's Gray Treeti'og Gray Treeti'og Spring Peeper Western Chorus Frog Green Frog Northern Leopard Frog Mink Frog Wood Frog

Spiny Softshell Turtle Snapping Turtle Painted Turtle Blanding's Turtle Common Map Turtle

Prairie Sklnk

Eastern Hognose Snake Smooth Green Snake Redbelly Snake Plains Garter Snake Common Garter Snake

Literature Cited:

Ambystoma laterale Ambystoma tigrinum Notophthalmus viridescells

Hyla chrysoce/is Hyla versicolor Pseudaeris cn/eifer Pseudacris triseriata Rana clamitans Raila pipiens Rona septemrionalis Rana sylvatica

Apalone spinifera CheZydra serpentina Chrysemys pieta Emydoidea bZandingii Graptemys geographica

Eumeces septentrionalis

Heterodon platirhinos Op/zeodrys vemalis Storeria occipitomaculata l'hamnophis radix Thamnophis sirtalis

Merrill, Samuel B. [994. THE BIRDS OF CAMP RIPLEY. The Loon 66(3) Winter, 1994, pp. 117-119. MN Ornithologist's Union, Minneapolis, MN.

Merrill, Samuel B. [995. ANIMAL SURVEYS AT THE MINNESOTA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD CAMP RIPLEY TRAINING SITE: 1994 ANNUAL REPORT AND OTHER REPORTS. Minnesota Dept. Nat. Res. BioI. Report No. 52. St. Paul, MN

0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

SPECIAL NOTICE:

Several "orphaned" Green Iguanas are as yet unadapted and in need of good homes. These animals are of various sizes, disposition, and physical condition, and may be adopted by any MHS member including those from out of state. Shipping charges may apply. If you are willing and able to provide care for a homeless Iguana or Iguanas please contact Glen Jacobsen at (612) 757-8268.

kfHS Newsletter Vo!tllne XV Number 10

Recent Herpetological Publications in

Popular Periodicals By: John P. Levell

Introduction Throughout the course of any given year

numerous articles which may be of interest to herpetologists, herpetoculturists, wildlife biologists, or others interested in amphibians and reptiles appear in the pages of various magazines or other periodicals which are not devoted purely to the subject of herpetology. These non-herpetological periodicals include such popular and widely read magazines as; National Geographic, Scientific American, Natural History, and National and International Wildlife, plus a host of other less well known publications including those of the various state wildlife regulatory agencies across the country.

Unfortunately, a fairly significant percentage of those individuals most likely to find this wealth of published herpetological material of use remain unaware that much of it even exists, as it is difficult, if not impossible, to examine all the various popular periodicals released each month. In addition, while a continually updated index to the material published in the various profeSSional herpetological and other technical scientific journals is provided by the National Biological Service's long running bi-monthly publication; Wildlife Review, and the Utah Association of Herpetologists produces an annual index to literature included in the publications of regional herpetological societies, no similar review exists for the herpetological literature appearing in popular periodicals compounding the difficulty of accessing this material further.

In light of these facts, it has long been felt that a brief overview and index of the herpetological articles published in popular periodicals might prove useful to individuals with an interest in herpetology. To better facilitate·the use of this preliminary installment of a hopefully continuing series, herpetological articles appearing in popular and semi-technical periodicals for the year 1995 thus far are first arranged on the basis of major taxonomic order (i.e. frogs, turtles, etc.) and then briefly revieWed. A standard bibliographic index arranged alphabetically by author follows this section. While every effort has been made to insure that this listing is as complete as possible, omissions are inevitable and every user of this index is strongly encouraged to point out any and all discrepancies. Comments are, likewise, encouraged and all correspondence regarding this column should be directed to: Minnesota Herpetological Society -Editor, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church SI. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104.

Amphibians

Disappearing Amphibians - The April 1995 issue of Scientific American (Vol. 272, No.4) features an interesting article entitled; The Puzzle of Declining Amphibian Populations. Written by Andrew R.

10

Blaustein and David B. Wake, this six page article provides an overview of amphibian population declines on a world wide basis, with a brief examination of possible causes and includes one color painting and several color photos.

Frogs and Toads

New England Frogs and More - The Mar./Apr. 1995 issue of SANCTUARY (Vol. 34, No.4), the bimonthly magazine of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, is devoted aimost entirely to the subject of frogs and toads. While the major emphasis is on declining frog populations, particularly in New England, a few other topics are covered as well. Among this issue's seven anuran articles are two by well known naturalist and author Tom Tyning; a two page color photo essay entitled A Guide to New England Frogs and a three page review of the world wide decline of frogs entitled A Farewell to Frogs? Other general frog decline articles include; Another Silent Spring by Lisa Capone and The Sky Above and the Mud Below by William G. Scheller. The remaining frog articles from this issue of SANCTUARY include Frogs and Human Health, a single page review of tbe medicinal properties of anurans entitled by Bill Sharp, an examination of the threat posed by urban sprawl on the amphibians of Brown's Pond near Concord, MA by Deborah Knight entitled Windmiller's Wood Frogs, and Fate and the Frog, a somewhat "ironic" editorial by John H. Mitchell.

Poison-Dart Frogs: Lurid and LetbaI, a thirteen page color photo essay with both text and photos by Mark W. Moffett, is included in the May 1995 edition of NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC (Vol. 187, No.5). This is deflOitely a "must see" article, if for no other reason then the superb color photos for which National Geographic has long been known.

MN Frogs - The feature article in the Young Naturalists section of the May/June 1995 issue of the MINNESOTA VOLUNTEER (Vol. 58, No. 340) is a guide to Minnesota's frogs entitled; Leaping Leopards and other Frogs, Toads, and Treefrogs. Written by Hennepin Parks wildlife biologist and MHS member John J. Moriarty, this fourteen page article includes a large number of color photos, most of which were taken by fellow MHS members Barney Oldfield and Allen Blake Sheldon.

Frog Communication, a six page article written by Peter M. Narins examining the complex strategies evolved by a variety of the world's frogs to communicate vocally, is included in the August 1995 issue of

SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN (Vol. 273, No.2). This intriguing article is illustrated with full color drawings, photos and graphs.

Turtles

The Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) a four page article by Astrid Kasper, DVM, is included in the Winter 1995 issue of WILDLIFE REHABILITATION TODAY (Vol. 6, No.3). The article, which includes two blw photos, briefly reviews the natural history and conservation of wild Desert Tortoise popUlations, and examines the causes and clinical treatment of Upper Respiratory Tract Disease (URTD).

Marine Turtles - At least three separate articles featuring Sea Turtles were published in the pages of popular non-herpetological periodicals during 1995. The frrst; Turtle Seas, is an eight page color photo essay on the Sea Turtles of Sipadan Island in the Celebes Sea by Norhert Wu which appeared in the Jan.fFeb. 1995 issue of AUDUBON magazine (Vol. 97, No.1). The second, from the pages of the August 1995 edition of NATURAL HISTORY (Vol. 104, No.8), is an eight page article on the nesting behavior of Olive Ridleys, Lepidochelys olivacea, in Costa Rica and the sustainable harvest of their eggs by local residents. Written by Fred Bruemmer and entitled; La Arribada, the article also features several of the author's exceptional color photographs. The third and final Sea Turtle article; Rhythms of the Ancient Mariner by Brian West, is a four page general overview of Sea Turtles from the Fall 1995 issue of DIVE TRAVEL (Vol. XI, No.1). This article also features color photos and includes a list of five of the best places in the world to view Sea Turtles.

Tuatara

Sphenodoll pUllclalum - The Tuataras, a single page article with one color photo by Mark Jerome Walters, is the subject of the "Animals in Peril" column of the Sept.!Oct. 1995 issue of ANIMALS magazine (Vol. 128, No.5).

Lizards

Galapagos Land Iguanas - The featured cover story of the January 1995 issue of NATURAL HISTORY (Vol. 104, No.1) is a 12 page article on the Land Iguana, Conolophus subcristatus, entitled Where Vulcan Lizards Prosper. With both text and color photos by Tui De Roy, this article focuses on the utilization of the caldera of an active volcano as nesting sites by female iguanas on Fernandina Island in the Galapagos Archipelago.

Rhythms of a Desert Lizard, an article on the natural history of South Africa's White-throated Monitor, Vara"us exanthematiclls albigularis, by John A. Phillips is included in the October 1995 edition of

11

MRS Newsletter Volume XV Number 10

NATURAL HISTORY (Va!. 104, No. 10). The article is six pages in length and features color photos.

Snakes

The Serpent's Tongue, an eight page article on chemo-reception in snakes by Kurt Schwenk, is included in the April 1995 edition of Natural History (Vol. 104, No.4). The article features several color photos, including one of a Copperhead, Agkistrodon contortrix, on the magazine's cover.

Sea Snakes - The April 1995 issue of OCEAN REALM magazine features, not one, but two separate articles on Sea Snakes. The first; Why Are So Many of Us Afraid of Sea Snakes?, is a nine page overview of Sea Snakes, including several exceptional color photos, written by Robin Milton Love. The second article, written by noted Sea Snake authority Harold K, Voris of Chicago's Field Museum and his wife Helen H. Voris, focuses on the Yellow-lipped Sea Krait, Laticauda colubrina. Entitled; Commuting on tbe Tropical Tides: The Life of the Yellow­lipped Sea Snake, this second Sea Snake article is five pages in length. As an added bonus, this edition of OCEAN REALM also includes a color photograph of a albino American Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, and a short extract, again with color photo, on the breath holding ability of crocodilians.

Garter Snakes: An Overview of Natural History and Care in Captivity, an article written by Melissa Kaplan, is included in the Winter 1995 edition of WILDLIFE REHABILITATION TODAY (Vol. 6, No. 3). The article is slightly over six pages in length, and features one color and one blw photo.

Pit Vipers - The Aug.lSept. 1995 issue of NATIONAL WILDLIFE (Vol. 33, No.5) contains an eight page article on venomous snakes entitled; The Private Lives of Pit Vipers. While mainly focusing on a radio telemetry study of Blacktailed Rattlesnakes, Crotalus molussus, in Arizona, tbis article features color photos of several different pit vipers and was written by Michael Lipske.

Miscellaneous

Herpetological Art - Several stunning examples of sketches, paintings, SCUlptures, and art photography featuring amphibians and reptiles are included in the article; Off the Beaten Path, from the May/June 1995 edition of WILDLIFE ART NEWS (Vol. XIV, No.3). Selected and editcd by Rebecca H. Rowland, this full color article features one representative piece of herpetological artwork from each of the following artists; Leo Osborne, Carel Pieter Brest van Kempen, Jeffrey R. Farmer, Emmett Snellings, Mark A. Kelso, Dlco GIhnmerveen, Ben Saturen, Ian Coleman, Robert McNamara, and David Stone, with each individual artist providing a brief cOlmnentary on their respective pieces.

MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 10

Bibliographic Author Index

Blaustein, Andrew R. and Wake, David B. 1995. l1ze Puzzle Of Declining Amphibian Populations. Scientific American 272(4), pp. 52-56. New York, NY. (Biblio. Ref. Amphibians, Declining Populations).

Bruemmer, Fred. 1995. La Arribada. Natural History 104(8), pp. 36-43. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist. New York, NY. (Biblio. Ref. - Lepidochelys olivacea, Olive Ridley Sea Turtle).

Capone, Lisa. 1995. Another Silent Spring. Sanctuary 34(4), pp. 9-12. Mass. Aud. Soc. Lincoln, MA. (Biblio. Ref. - Frogs, Declining Populations).

De Roy, Tui. 1995. Where Vulcan Lizards Prosper. Natural History 104(1), pp. 28-39. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist. New York, NY. (Biblio. Ref. - Conolophus subcristatus, Galapagos Land Iguana).

Kaplan, Melissa. 1995. Garter Snakes: An Overview of Natural History and Care in Captivity. Wildlife Rehabilitation Today 6(3), pp. 8-16. Coconut Creek, FL. (Biblio. Ref. - Thamnophis, Garter Snakes)

Kasper, Astrid. 1995. The Desert Tortoise. Wildlife Rehabilitation Today 6(3), pp. 48-51. Coconut Creek Publ. Coconut Creek, FL. (Biblio. Ref. Gopherus agassizii, Desert Tortoise)

Knigh~ Deborah. 1995. Windmiller's Wood Frogs. Sanctuary 34(4), pp. 13-15. Mass. Aud. Soc. Lincoln, MA. (Biblio. Ref. - Amphibians, Declining Populations).

Lipske, Michael. 1995. The Private Lives of Pit Vipers. National Wildlife 33(5), pp. 14-21. Natl. Wildlife Fed. Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA. (Biblio. Ref. - Crotalidae, Pit Vipers)

Love, Robin M. 1995. Why Are So Many of Us Afraid of Sea Snakes? Ocean Realm, April 1995, pp. 48-56. Friends of the Sea, Inc. San Antonio, TX. (Biblio. Ref. - Hydrophiinae, Sea Snakes)

Mitchell, John H. 1995. Fate and the Frog. Sanctuary 34(4), pp. 4. Mass. Aud. Soc. Lincoln, MA. (Biblio. Ref. Editorial).

Moffet~ Mark W. 1995. Poison-Dart Frogs: Lurid and Lethal. National Geographic 187(5), pp. 98-111. Natl. Geo. Soc. Washington, DC. (Biblio. Ref. -Dendrobatidae, Poison-Dart Frogs).

Moriarty, John J. 1995. Leaping Leopards and Other Frogs, Toads, and Treefrogs. Minnesota Volunteer 58(340), pp. 20-33. Minn. Dept. Nat. Res. St. Paul, MN. (Biblio. Ref. - Frogs & Toads of Minnesota).

12

Narins, Peter M. 1995. Frog Communication. Scientific American 273(2), pp. 78-83. New York, NY. (Biblio. Ref. - Frogs, Vocal Communications).

Phillips, John A. 1995. Rhythms of a Desert Lizard. Natural History 104(10), pp. 50-55. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist. New York, NY. (Biblio. Ref. - Varanus exanthematicus albigularis, White-throated Monitor).

Rowland, Rebecca H. 1995. Off the Beaten Path. Wildlife Art News XIV(3), pp. 44-51. Pothole Pub!. St. Louis Park, MN. (Biblio. Ref. - Herpetological Art).

Scheller, William G. 1995. l1te Sky Above and the Mud Below. Sanctuary 34(4), pp. 18-20. Mass. AUd. Soc. Lincoln, MA. (Biblio. Ref: - Frogs, Declining Populations).

Schwenk, Kurt. 1995. l1te Serpent's Tongue. Natural History 104(4), pp. 48-55. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist. New York, NY. (Biblio. Ref. - Snakes, Chemo­reception).

Sharp, Bill. 1995. Frogs and Human Health. Sanctuary 34(4), pp. 8. Mass. Aud. Soc. Lincoln, MA. (Biblio. Ref. - Frogs, Medicinal Uses).

Tyning, Thomas. 1995a. A Farewell to Frogs. Sanctuary 34(4), pp. 5-7. Mass. Aud. Soc. Lincoln, MA. (Biblio. Ref. - Frogs, Declining Populations).

Tyning, Thomas. 1995b. A Guide to New England Frogs. Sanctuary 34(4), pp. 16-17. Mass. Aud. Soc. Lincoln, MA. (Biblio. Ref. - Frogs, New England).

Voris, Harold K. and Voris, Helen H. 1995. Commuting on the Tropical Tides: The Life of the Yellow-lipped Sea Snake. Ocean Realm, April 1995, pp. 57-61. Friends of the Sea, Inc. San Antonio, TX. (Biblio. Ref. -Loticauda colubrino., Yellow-lipped Sea Krait).

Walters, Mark J. 1995. The Tuataras. Animals 128(5), pp. 8. Mass. Soc. Prevo Cruelty Ani. Boston, MA. (Biblio. Ref. - Sphenodon punctatum, Tuatara).

West, Brian. 1995. Rhythms of the Ancient Mariner. Dive Travel XI(I), pp. 54-57. BarkJey Pub!. Santa Cruz, CA. (Biblio. Ref. - Cheloniidae, Sea TurtJes)

Wu, Norbert. 1995. Turtle Seas. Audubon 97(1), pp. 70-77. Nat!. Audubon Soc. New York, NY. (Biblio. Ref. - Cheloniidae, Sea Turtles, Sipadan Island). 0000000

MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 10

ADIOS AMIGO

In 1983 joined MHS member number 332, herp photographer, author, conservationist, friend of the Wood Turtle, champion of the Timber Rattlesnake, D.V.M., and most important - husband to Linda and father of Casey and Sherilyn. So go the demographics of one of the MHS's fmest, Barney Oldfield. The contributions of Barney to the MHS have gone far beyond the eyes of most MHS members. Most of us have seen his colorful slides and photos in books, or at talks and symposia, and on DNR posters. Some of you have even had the good fortune to go on field excursions (always an ordeal with all kinds of paraphernalia) with him. And of course, we have all seen the wonderful book, Amphihians & Reptiles Native to Minnesota, which he co-authored.

However, few know of his "behind the scenes efforts" to improve the political status of some of Minnesota's herpetological fauna. Perhaps most notable was his spearheading a committee for the introduction of a legislative bill to eliminate the bounty paid on Timber Rattlesnakes, Crotalus horridlls, in the state. Thanks to his initiative, Timber Rattlesnakes were taken off the bounty list in 1989. He has spent numerous hours in past years meeting with a variety of state and local officials to promote habitat protection and conservation of reptiles. Although all of these accomplishments are noteworthy, Barney never looked for the glory from his achievements. He simply wanted the often misunderstood and maligned herpetological creatures of tbis world to benefit from his efforts - and they have.

Barney's energy stems from a deep passion for being in the field, observing and photographing nature. Reptiles, wild flowers, rocks, you name it, and Barney is down on his belly with a lens on it from every angle. Occasionally, he has been seen face-to· face with a Timber Rattlesnake :vhile he zeroes in with his wide angle lens - and often, it IS the snake that is zeroing in on him! Yes, there have been times when he's so focused on some critter that he forgets his surroundings. Consequently, a variety of interesting events have occurred: he has accidentally sent his entire camera gear pack galloping down the face of bluffs (an interesting blur when observed from above), he has crawled along ledges looking in crevices only to look down and see his hand planted next to a rattlesnake which was patiently observing him, he has been seen wrestling grape vines and mumbling some dialect of the English language while trying to get at a rattlesnake that is just out of reach (the vines always won), he has leaped from a canoe with Olympic fonn (clothes and all) to catch turtles, he has danced while several rattlesnakes were being deposited at his feet from an upper ledge by his helpful field partner, he has performed surgery on a injured rattlesnake with a picnic table for a surgery suite (something he doesn't recommend to everyone), and some of his greatest photo sessions in the field have been done with absolutely no film in the camera.

One final bit of trivia which some of our "older" members might appreciate is the fact that Barney is related to the historical and legendary race car driver, Barney Oldfield.

The tales of Barney's Minnesota adventures could go on and on, but they're coming to a close. Barney Oldfield, D.V.M. is heading back to his roots in northern New Mexico. He will have his own veterinary practice called the Totah Animal Hospital, and he even plans to do some reptile medicine. No doubt he will find time to wander into the New Mexico landscape and begin a long string of new herping escapades. So go forth with our good wishes from the land of the Chippewa and Sioux, the home of Crotalus /wrridus, and on to the land of the Navabo and Apache, home of Crotalus molosslls - the Land of Enchantment.

Best of Luck, The Minnesota Herpetological Society

13

PRESENTED TO

BARNEY OLDFIELD ON SEPTEMBER 8, 1995

IN APPRECIATION FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS

TO HERPETOLOGY IN :,!I\NESOTA

Reproduction of a Plaque Presented to Barney Oldfield at the Sept. 8, 1995 MHS Meeting.'

Courtesy: James and Karin Rea

MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 10

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Nov. 5, 1995 22nd Annual Meeting of the Kansas Herpetological Society. Lawerence, Kansas. For more info Contact: David Reber, KHS, 1097 E. 1400 Rd .. Lawerence, KS 66046-9633, (913) 843-2205.

Nov. 17-18, 1995 Texas Herpetological Society Annual Fall Symposium. EI Paso, Texas. For more info Contact: Dave Hibbitts (817) 461-5238.

Dec. 1, 1995 MHS General Meeting - Hunting Pythons in New Guinea. Speaker: Al Baldago. Bodaug Hall (see map page 1), U of M, St. Paul Campus. 7:00 pm.

Dec. 2, 1995 Annual MHS Holiday "Pot Luck" Banquet and New Guinea Travelogue by Al Baldago. University of MN St. Paul Campus Student Union Center - Terrace Cafe. 6:30 - 10:30 p.m. Cost $5.00 per person. For more info see insert in this month's MHS newsletter or call: Marilyn Brooks (612) 925-4237.

Jan. 5, 1995 MHS General Meeting - Speaker: John Tester. Borlaug Hall (see map page 1), U of M, St. Paul Campus. 7:00 pm.

Feb. 2, 1995 MHS ANNUAL WHITE SNAKE SALE. Bodaug Hall (see map page 1), U of M, St. Paul Campus. 7:00 pm.

Apr. 13, 1996 Annual All Florida Herpetological Conference. Gainesville, FL. Rietz Union, University Campus, University of Florida. For mor info Contact: Dr. David Auth (904) 392-1721.

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14

October Refreshments

For bringing refreshments to the previous MHS meeting the society says Thanks for the cookies to:

The Rea Family Dave & Kathy Boron

We had lots of cookies! For the 1st time, we actually ran out of drinks before food. With all the full houses we've had lately, we need a lot of refreshments so this was great! As always, a big Thank-You to everyone who helps me with this task.

Nanette Jimerson - Refreshment Chairperson.

Board Meeting Highlights By Randy Blasus. Recording Secretary

The monthly meeting of the MHS Board of Directors was conducted on October 7th at Randy Blasus' home. A quorum was present. The board took the following action:

Discussed were: The visit from the new director of the Bell Museum and the continued relationship of our two organizations; upcoming Hands-On at the Mall of America; and need for a more modem computer for the Editor.

Items were followed up on from last month and no new business of any consequence occurred.

Presented and accepted were: Treasurer's Repor~ Membership Report and Board Meeting Minutes.

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15

MHS Nell's/ellel' Volume XV Number /0

Treasurer's Report Prepared by Marilyn Brooks. MHS Treasurer

Beginning Checkbook Balance: 52.885.19

Income: Membership Raffle Sales Donation Library Fines Other

Total Income:

Expense: Newsletter Misc PrintiPost Program Library Books Supplies Refreshments Other

Total Expense:

Net IncomelLoss:

545.00 103.50 170.50

28.16

9.00

413.50

50.00

25.23

856.16

859.30 1,503.29

Ending Checkbook Balance:

(647.13)

2,238.06

1,042.49 1,195.57

Dedicated Funds: Funds Available:

Conservation Fund Balance 82.08

October Raffle Donors

Laurie Mooting Connie & J.P. Levell Virginia & Alex Larson Dav Kaufman

Rep. & Amp. Stickers MN Volunteer Magazines Tin Turtle Set Herp Closet "Goodies"

Revenue generated by raffle ticket sales help finance a variety of society functions, including the MHS Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Fund. Congratulations to all the winners, and thanks to everyone who donated items and/or purchased raffle tickets.

RO.Box5818

MRS Newsletter Volume XV Number 10

Classified Ads

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

For Sale

Surinam "True" Red-tailed Boa. Gentle, hand raised, domestic c.b. Great Disposition! Unsexed 5.5 ft. $550 with cage. Call Lome Greenen (612) 486-2944

Mice and Rats. Call Little Critters (612) 421-0097

HERP CLASSIFIED (fomnerly Fauna Classifieds). Monthly classified for herpetofauna, food, supplies, literature, societies, much more .... Excellent infomnation source, worldwide circulation, publ. since 1983. Send .32 stamp for sample. SI4/year, $26/2 years, 1st class. MCNisa. Great Valley Serpentarium, 2379 Maggio Circle, Unit C Ladi, CA 95240, (209) 369-7737, Fax (209) 369-7737.

1995 HERPETOLOGICAL DIRECTORY. Valuable info source containing private & commercial breeders, wholesalers, foreign exporters, US/foreign societies, food sources, supplies, publications, more ..... $15. MCNisa. Great Valley Serpentarium, 2379 Maggio Circle, Unit C Lodi, CA 95240, (209) 369-7737, Fax (209) 369-7737.

Solomon Island Boas, Candoia carinata paulsoni, c.b. subadults, feeding well on dead mice, $75-175. Neonates born 114/95. Call Steph Porter (612) 690-2589.

95 Hatchlings Albino N. Pines $95, Hetem N. Pines $45, Corns $15, Fox Snakes $15, W. Hognose $35. Surplus Stock 1.1 Cape Baja Gophers $165 pr., 0.1 Albino Speckled King $50, 1.0 Leucistic Texas Rat $75, 1.1 Corns (proven Breeders) $85 pr., 1.0 Albino patternless Yellow Rat $50. Asst. Aquariums and accessories $5 -$40. Dav (612) 550-9855.

1994 C.B. SNAKES 1.0.0 Baird's Rat Snake c.b. 94 $50. 1.0.0 melanistic Eastern Garter Snake, beautiful long temn captive, $30. Albino Horned Frog $50. 2.0.0 Israeli Sand Geckos, $15 ea. 1.1.0 long term captive (5+ yrs.) Chinese Water Dragon, tame $75 Call: The Exotic Dead Corner & Leave *<@#+! Message (612) 545-5127.

GREAT V ALLEY SERPENT ARIUM, a private museum and breeding facility offering a wide selection of c.b. colubrids, boids and lizards. Open to the public. Write or fax for free price-list. Great Valley Serpentarium. 2379 Maggio Circle, Unit C Lodi, CA 95240, (209) 369-7737, Fax (209) 369-7737.

Wanted

Wanted: Any Day Geckos (Pile/suma). Call dean R. Montour (612) 257-2462.

16

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

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

Miscellaneous

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

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

Will find or provide "homes" for any and all unwanted venomous snakes and crocodilians. For more info contact: The Exotic Dead Comer (612) 545-5127.

MHS Rodent Sales

Mice: pinkies fuzzies adult,

Rats: pups adult,

$6.00 dozen $6.00 dozen $9.00 dozen $10.00 dozen $12.00 six $24.00 dozen

For pickup at monthly meetings only. Orders must be placed at least one week in advance of date of meeting at which frozen rodents arc to be delivered. Place order~ with TCITY Scheiber (612) 440-7482.

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

CLASSIFIED AD INSTRUCTIONS: Ads are lUn as a free service to paid members. MHS takes NO responsibility for legality or health of animal advertised here. Ads may be lUn for three consecutive months at which time ads may be re-submitted. The editor reserves the right to omit ads when space is limited so as to allow all members a chance to advertise. Size of ad is limited to four (4) typed lines or one (1) standard size business card. DEADLINE for all newsletter items is one week before the general meeting.

NON MEMBER & EXPANDED SIZE ADS: Line ads:$.l0 per word. Business Cards: $5.00 per month.

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

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

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

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

Send all newsletter items to: Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter Editor, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church Street South East, Minneapolis, MN 55455.

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MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

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NewDesign Bull Sna'<e T-Shirts

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

SMALL_ MEDIUM___ LARGE___ X-LARGE_ XX-LARGE_

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

MINNESOTA

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