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BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREET S.E. MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55455·0104

VOLUME IV

MHS NEWSLETTEH

:F1EBRUAR Y MEET IN G

Priday, Pebruary 3, 1984 7:00 PM Room 225, Smith Hall

University of Minnesota

NUMBER 1

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The February meeting will be a brand new subject for ~lliS. Dinosaurs! Dr. Daryl Karns of the Bell Museum staff will talk on liThe Hot Blooded Dinosaurs". The talk will be illustrated with slides. Daryl will deal with the "new" theories about these super herps of ancient times. The "Critter of the Month" will be turtles. If you have any interest in paleoherpetology, this is Y0ur chance!

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The January meeting turned out not to be "Snakes and Flowers" with Bob Duerr as advertised. Due to last minute commitments, Bob had to take a raincheck. We will have this program at a later date, and also Dr. Tester's "Toads in the Prairies".

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The Npeaker at the January meeting was MRS President Del Jones. Del narrated a slide presentation of a herp safari through South Carolina and the Okefenokee Swamp that he took while a member of the Massachusetts Herp. Society. This was a repeat of a program he had done for the April, 1982 meeting. It was a neat show, and was well worth seeing again. Thanks to Del for filling in!

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Did you send your questionaire in? If not you may be too late for this year!

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POISON CONTROL CENTER 405-271-5454

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The March meeting will be our Annual Meeting. There will be no program or speaker. We will have elections, and the "Critter (!)f the IVjonth" will be "}\fJY Favorite Cri t­ter". Please, all of you out there in lVJHS land, make a point (i)f bringing your favorite critter to this meeting. The participation of late hasntt been all that great. Let's make up for it!

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We have a full slate of n0minees to vote for. Thanks to li'red Bosman and the Nomi­nating Committee (Daren Carlson and Bruce Haig) for their work on this. Last min­ute nominations will be accepted from the floor. The slate is:

President Bruce Delles Vice-President Secretary rrreasurer Newsletter Editor Member-at:"'Large (vote for four)

Fran F'risch Ann porwoll Sally Brewer Jim Gerholdt Bill Allen IJiz Bosman Bruce Cutler Del Jones JJarry ~obst Brint Spencer

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Please note the DNR Nongame Wildlife Program Request for Proposals appearing in this Newsletter. Read !it carefully and see if you might be interested in it .. R.e­member, a group proposal is acceptable!

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The "Critter" for the January meeting was snakes of Minnesota. We had at the meeting:

Western Fox Snake (Elaphe v. vulpina) Plains Hognose Snake (Heterodon n. nasicus) Eastern Milk Snake (Lampropeltis t. triangulum) Bullsnake (Pituophis melanoleucus sayi) Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus c. catenatus) Texas Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi texana) Hed Sided Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis s. sirtalis)

These were brought by: Bruce Delles Gabe Gerhold t Jim Gerholdt Jolm Jesmer Ann Patterson Ann porwoll Scott Weinberg

Thanks to all from MRS!

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Attendance at the January meeting was 58. Our memberships are now at 133!

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LIBRARY POLICY

All members are reminded that when a book is returned, it is your responsibility to return it to the Librarian or a Board member .. Don't just put it on the table! Overdue books will be assessed a $1 .. 00 a month fine per book. ]f a book is lost or damaged beyond reasonable repair, it will be the responsibj] .ity of the member to replace it. Books still in print will normally be discolmted,. Book::; no longer in print will be charged for at· the current mark.et vE11LW .. ()nce Lht' damaged book has been paid for, it will become the propenjby of the merJlbur, w j t11 the new copy going into the Library .. Please be careful!

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The raffle of the large IIboa-typfJ cage ll at the January meeting brought us ~t24 .. SO. It was won by Peter j{'ug1estaci .. \'/8 bope to have another ca.ge 1'01: the l"ebruar,Y MH~) meeting.

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"Help a Hapless Herp" rolls on! ilL the January IIleeting we adopted out ;~ Box rrurt­les, one :Bastern .x: Three ~[1oe and on~ 1.lhree ([loe .. 1UCLL !lO\v we have nothing for the F'ebruary meeting .. !l.s always, this will likely cltan{~e hy rneetine: tjlTJE:~! We hope to have a nice Cornman T50a!

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fJlhe J'IlHb Library continues to grow! New books recently purGhased w.LLh h1j0 fUlll1t)

are: Living Amphibians of the vJorl d b,Y l)ori s IVl. Cochran 11he Age of Reptile~~ by' Ji:cJwJn tL. Col bert Living Reptiles of the World by Karl P .. ~)chrni<1t and Hobert }'. Jnger The Amateur Zoologist' s Guide to 'l'u:ctles and Crocodilians by Hobert 1'" Zappalorti

Recently donated by John Moriarty: Snakes. A Conservation Education fTogra,rn of the lJepartment of Fish and Wildlife Resources (Kentucky) by KeJ ly llubbard and Nanc;y 'l lheiss (2 copies)

Thanks to John from MHS! We also have Volume 111 of tbe jVlIlS Newsletter j.n u hard folder and ready for checking out.

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The Herp Ilints part of the January meeting was one of the busiest yet t There was quite a bit of discussion on beak trimming in turtles. It was pointed out that it is sometimes necessary to do this, and just about any cutting tool willrdo it .. Grossly overgrown beaks are illustrated in some of the recent v·eterinary books '" Larry Yank related how a Yellow Rat Snake had been bitten by a Grey Rat Snake, with an abcess resulting. 'Ihe wound was cleaned with hydrogen peroxide and later treated with Panalog ointment, responding well. Dan Keyler told how a 9" Smooth Green'Snake had been killed by a dime-size spider. After hearing its description, Bruce Cutler said it was a spider that could produce miilid Brown Reciliuse symptoms" Smooth Green Snake Imvers beware!! Cheryl Keyler told of a Bullsnake that had a swelling under the lower jaw. 11here was no tumor, and a Pseudomonas problem was suspected. G€ntocin ointment was used, and later injectable Gentocin. The snake recovered and is back on feed .. rrhis led to a discussion on feeding responses ..

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Some members related how a "sick" snake had gone back on feed and almost taken their hand off in the process .. Never offer food with your guard down! Always assume that the snake will take~food item with gusto! As we all know, most bites from captive snakes are the result of feeding response, and a little care will prevent them ..

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well we spi! bet +he +op lS

-e V14ter I Soiled we\ft./spaf-€ r,. r 110+ Lock-ea I let S V';10K-e CIt run -fur ft.

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5

EXTINCTION NEAH J:i'OR CROCODILIANS

by

G"S .. Casper

A new study of the Chinese Alligator (Alligator sinensis) has concluded that extinction in the wild is probable in less than five years, and that the es­tablishment of alligator farms is the main hope for the species' survival. Other crocodiliam species are also benefiting from farms, but the outlook for the group as a whole is bleak ..

A report on the cooperative Chinese-U.S. st~dy of the alligator appeared rec­ently in The Oryx (vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 176-181) .. '1lhe study found that the range of the Chinese Alligator has been reduced by approximately 86% to an extimated 25,00 sq km .. Causes of the decline include natural disasters such as flooding (which dFowned hibernating alligatoFs in 1957), human intrusion into prime habi­tat, drainage of swamps for agriculture, damming of rivers, wanton killing, and suspected adverse effects from heavy pesticide use .. The remaining alligators now occupy mostly marginal habitat. An estimated 300-500 alliga tors'·,were present in the area of study, with other populations either extinct or so reduced as to be nearly impossible to locate ..

Farming is rec~mmended as the only hope for the alligators I survival, along with education and incentive payments to local people for protecting wild alli­gators and their nests. Farming and incentive payments can be expected to pro­vide local peoples with a vested interest in the alligators' survival, thus affording protection. Three alligator farms have been established by the Chin­ese government, but with limited success due to poor facilities and lack of ex­pertise. The report recommends that the Chinese be provided assistance and in-formation on farming techniques. .

Nearly all crocodilian species are currently in danger of extinction. According to a recent IUCN Bulletin, the Philippine Crocodile (Crocodylus mind0rensis) is in immediate danger of extinction due to government backed agricultural and in­dustrial programs destroying the habitat of the few remaining individuals. A Philippine University has begun a captive propogation attempt in a last ditch effort to preserve the species. The future of several other crocodilians is en­sured only through large scale farming operations. These include the Saltwater Crocodile (C. porosus), American Alligator CA. mississippiensis), New Guinea Crocodile (C. novaeguineae), and Siamese Crocodile (C. siamensis). The latter may be extinct in the wild, but thousands form a healthy population on hide farms .. Additionally, large scale non-commercial captive propogation programs are underway in India for Mugger Crocodiles (C .. palustris), and Gavials (Gav­ialis gangeticus). Farming is being considered for the Nile Crocodile (C. nil­oticus) as well.

While farming has helped ensure a future for some crocodilians, the majority remain critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching for hides. ]"arm­ing can virtually eliminate poaching by undermining the poachers' business. Farms also provide a reservoir of captive or semi-captive stock from which' ani­mals can be drawn to augment or re-establish dwindling wild populations, and provide animals for use in biological research .. The American Alligator is a case in point, with poaching reduced to insignificanme and many old-time poach­ers now running 'gator farms (farming being more profitable and less risky);

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'gator populations have increased to the point where hunting seasons are now allowed.

Hopefully, crocodilian farming enterprises will expand and encompass ~ore spec­ies, thereby taking pressure off wild crocodilians of all kinds. This, coupled with increased habitat protection, expecially in the tropics, seems the only hope for survival of these magnificent beasts. After 200 million years of ex­istence, the extinction of these awe inspiring leviathans would be a great loss. It is sad indeed to belong to a generation which is witnessing the systematic e1imination of all large predators from the planet, simply for the convenience of that most dangerous beast of all - Homo sapiens.

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The above cartoon is printed here through the courtesy .. of ]lran Frisch, with all best wishes and congratulations to Kip and Diane Hanson, and Bruce and Connie Delles.

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BREl!JDING NUrE:3 ~ ""

The Heptile Breeding £i1oundation, ['. u. Box 14,)0, P_ic tOIl, ~ In tar io l\(I~: ;)'IIL

10 Ptychozoon lionatum (flying geckof3) (70-77 days) and lltwlsurna g-uentherj (Round Island Geckos) ( 7r)-90 days) at 7() degceesF' to U~ degr'O"eS-Il' covered by protective cups in cage .. Incubation boxes 'were used for several ~)pecje8 .. ri1bese pLastic bo.xeu contain slight1y damp sphagnwn moss, have ventiJation ho.1es, and are kept ilt 71J def.';ret::'~·;

.H' to 84 degrees .F' .. l!.;ggs haLched in these boxes I.uldel' Lhest:: cuudj LJ (AlB IrJ01'L!:

18 Gekko monarchus (about 60 days) 2 Ph8ISuma longisulae pulchra (about 92 days) 1 Phelsurna ladiguensis 2 Geochelone carbonaria (red-foot tortoises) (about 192 days) 1 ':Parentola americana wa.rreni (about 100 days) 6 ~blepharis macularius (leopard geckos) 2 Elaphe guttata (corn snake) (about 70 day~»

25 Boaedon' !.. ful;iginGsus (African House Snake) (about 70 days)

Kip and piane Hanson 1.0 Jacob Allen Hanson born 12-12-83

Bruce and Connie Delles 1,,0 Chase Hunter Delles born 1-9~84

Breedings from January AAZPA NewslE-)tter Busch Gardens-'I1ampa' 8 American Alligator

10 Spectacled Caiman

Columbus Zoo 2 Granite Night Lizard 3 Maculate Gecko 9 Tiger Tree Viper

42 Puff Adder 5 Red Spitting Cobra

Houston Zoological Gardens 1 Tokay Gecko

Sacramento baa 3 ~~ks Isle Dwarf Boa

Oklahoma City Zoo 3 Reticulated Gila Monster

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N~'W CONTESCP

After no responses to "Just when you are chin deep in quick sand!o0l01l1", I took a look at it again and decided to write a few l~nes myself, so here goes: "you remember you forgot to renew your MHS membership!" "you forgot to order your rodents by 7:00 PM the day before the monthly meeting!" "you wish you were six inches taller!" "you got struck with the true meaning of one of }'risch 9 s dumb cartoons! n "you repented for never volunteering to be Refreshment Chairperson for MHS!" And last but not least"",.you swear youtll never think up another contest for the members of MRS, but seeing you·ll never learn, here is another contest to try., Color in the stork and frog, using any means you wish. The judges will be the MRS Board members .. Send all entries to P~an Frisch, 850 'H", ]vlinnehaha, stll' Paul, ]YIN

55104. Include your name and address with your entry .. And remember, this contest is open to MHS members of all ages (please keep your tongue in your mouth while coloring)J The "co3:oree" ison the next page!

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8

SNAKE CONTROL: AN IDEA WHOSE TIME HAS COME

by

Jim Schneider

Snakes have been causing man trouble since Adam and Eve roamed the garden, so it's encouraging to see that somebody is finally doing something about these felonious, footless fiends. District of Columbia Councilwoman Nadine Winter (D -Ward 6) has introduced a "snake control bill" in the nation's capital.

"The qontrol over snakes wandering around needs to be strengthened", Winter said in a statement she issued when she introduced the bill, "because snakes are ani­mals that not only hurt people, but they are one of the few animals that can cause people to hurt themselves. Large numbers of people go into shock just at the sight of a snake."

The Washington Times quoted Ms Winter as declaring, "At a public meeting I held, Deputy Chief of Police (Carl) Profater said he went into a house and sat down on the couch and this snake started slithering across the floor toward him and he got up and got the hell out of there."

Ms Winter said that she delayed introducing the snake control bill because she didn't was to appear to be capitalizing on 15-year-old Lewis Morton, who was bitten by a viper he allegedly stole from the National Zoo. However, she de­cided to move forward when she noticed a series of classified newspaper ads offering boa constrictors for sale.

"I have introduced this bill upon the urging of my constituents," said.- Coun­cilwoman Winter. Ms Winter's proposal would attack the great snake problem in two ways. First, the ownership of poisonous snakes would be banned, with the only exception being the National Zoo. Secondly, owners of non-poisonous snakes would have to post all entrances to their homes (which, considering D.C.'s robbery rate, might mean all windows, too) with the following warning: "Snake in House--Exercise Caution." Violation of the law could bring a $300 fine and 90 days in jail.

Ms Winter's proposal is a step in the right direction but clearly does not go far enough. Gun Week urges the D.C. council members to consider the following facts:

SNAKES CAUSE CRIME;

- Snakes Cause Crime--As Well As Sin!

What do the Antarctic, Arctic Circle, Greenland and Iceland all have in common? Virtually no snakes and virtually no crime! Critics may point out that they also have virtually no people, cut clearly that is irrelevant. And what do countries like Nigeria, the Philippines and Mexico have in common? Lots of snakes and high crime rates. Here critics will argue that these countries also have a great deal of poverty, one of the factors Aristotle blamed for crime. But everybody knows what a radical Aristotle was!

- Snakes Should Be Marked With Serial Numbers and Painted Red!

Snakes are great at camouflage, and a four-foot Diamondbacked rattlesnake looks

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just like any other four-foot Diamondbacked rattlesnake. But modern science pro­vides solutions to these problems, too. First, a law is needed requiring all snakes to be painted red and equipped with a beeper. Then let's see those suckers try to hide in the grass or under the couch! Each snake should also be stamped with a serial number tha.t is duly registered with the proper authorities.

SNUBBIES

.... Snubbies Must Be Banned!!

The headlines in the October 1, 1981, issue of the New York Daily News said it all, "Subway Bandit t s a Real Snake .. " The article told how on September 26 of that year a holdupman confronted a subway clerk, I)avid Kesztenbaum, at his token booth in Manhattan.

Through bulletproof glass the man demanded, "Open the door to the booth and give me all your money or It 11 have my snake bite yoU!" According to Transit Author­ity President John Simpson, "As the clerk was telling the guy what he could do with his snake, the robber produced the snake and started to push it through the tray." ]lortunately for the clerk, a train pulled into the station and the hold ... upman fled. But what if the train hadn't pulled in at just that time? Would this have been the beginning of a nationwide scourge that even bulletproof glass couldn't have stopped?

Clearly, snubbies - snakes under 15 feet long - must be banned. It's these easi­ly concealable, readily transportable snakes that are the most misused. Let's see how many criminals can carry a 20-foot python to the subway station, let alone conceal it. And unlike long guns, you can ';t take a hacksaw and cut these rascals down to size - at least not if you want a very active snake.

SNAKE OWNER TESTING

- Snake Owners Must Be Tested and Registered!

The way it is now, anybody can walk into his local snake shop and buy the rep­tile of his choice over the counter as easy as candy. Surely some kind of test is needed to discourage the less sincere snake buyers. Those who pass the test should, of course, be registered - both with the government and "That's Incred­ible."

- National Ban Must Be Ultimate Goal!

Although the proposed D.C. law does represent progress, the ultimate goal must be a national ban on the private ownership of snakes. After all, what's to keep a D .. C .. resident from going to Virginia or Maryland to buy his snakes?

- Poll Shows Americans Want Snake Control.

Gun \veek. asked 87 D .. C .. taxi drivers, II If a passenger entered your cab carrying a snake, how would you feel?" Of the four who spoke Ebglish, three were strongly opposed to the idea of snake-carrying passengers. 11he fourth simply said, "Snake make good sandwich, you know."

11HE MOUSE LOBBY

With such massive support for snake control, the big questions seem to be: "Why

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has it taken thousands of years to get even a local snake control law proposed?" and "Why isn I t Congress considering some meaningful snake control'?" A three­month extensive Capitol Hill Investigation by Gun Week reporters has uncovered the answer to those two questions: The Mouse Lobby.

Yes, The Mouse Lobby - a little-known, multi-billion dollar industry that makes its blood money by selling mice to the domestic owners of snakes, never checking to see how those mice are used. In fact, The Mouse Lobby encourages the private ownership of snakes. 'I'he only fact it considers is: the more snakes people own, the more mice those snakes will eat.

There are indications The Mouse Lobby has its headquarters in Zurich, while some claim it is really a Saudi Arabian operation. Wherever the masterminds of The Mouse Lobby are located, clearly TML is a powerful force in Washington.

Of course, congressional aides questioned by Gun Week reporters denied any knowledge of The Mouse Lobby. We confronted them with questions like, "When was the last time the Senator met with The Mouse Lobby?" and "How much money did The Mouse Lobby give to the Senator's re-election campaign?" After a half hour of such grilling they still denied any knowledge of The Mouse Lobby. But the terror in their eyes gave them away as they ran screaming down the hall.

Clearly snake control is an idea whose time has come. Gun WeeK salutes Council­woman Winter for showing the rest of America the stuff the D.C. council is made of!

EDITOR'S NOTE: This powerful, moving plea for snake control in America orlgln­ally appeared in Gun Week, Friday, July 15, 1983. It was reprinted in Notes From NOAH and the Chicago Herpetological Society Newsletter. A special thanks to all involved from MHS!

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OBITUARIES

November 11, 1983, Elaphe obsole~ quadrivittata, of old age. Known as "Goliath" to the neighborhood and school kids, he was an impressive example of the size the Yellow Rat Snake can attain.

Not much was known of his past. I acquired him in 1979. I am told a new ordi­nance in Rhode Island had made it illegal for pet stores to deal in herps. This animal had been languishing in a cold storage room while the store owner tried to figure out what to do with the herps he had when the ordinance was passed. A member of the Massachusetts Herpetological Society finally brought the snake to a society meeting to see if someone would take him" I d.ecided to risk $5.00 on what was by then a seriously underweight animal with open sores on the nose, a suspicious lump on its side and the beginnings of respiratory problems. Heat, food, and a larger cage cured all the problems except the lump. A trip to the vet resulted in some minor surgery and the rusted remains of a steel BB. The snake had evidently been shot with a BB gun some years previously and the pellet had embedded itself in the muscle. Time had healed the puncture woumd and the BE had corroded into a pocket of rust. From this, I assume that he was a large adult when removed from the wild" The vet also pointed out that the snake was develop­ing cataracts, another indication of advanced age" In the past two years the signs of ageing had greatly increased (loss of muscle tone, increased problems with shedding, etc.). He had turned opaque prior to a shed and as was his custom had retreated into a hollow log in his cage to await the completion of the ec­dysis" Several days later my nose told me that not all was well; Goliath had died while coiled in the log.

In life, measurements indicated that he might exceed the record length of 84 ~nches listed by Conant. In death, he taped out at an amazing 87 inches! His measurements are being submitted to SSAR for publication in the Herpetological Review"

Delvin Jones

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IBy Ga.ry larson

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Nongame Wildlife-Program Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

1984 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Nongame Wildlife Program is soliciting proposals for field studies to be conducted on nongame species during the 1984 field season. The primary objective ;s to encourage the continuation and expansion of research and inventory efforts designed to enhance our ability to protect and manage the Nongame Resource.

Although all proposals pertaining to nongame wildlife will be considered, priority shall be given to projects addressing the following:

1. Native grassland species (small mammals, reptiles and amphibians, songbirds and/or butterflies);

2. Wetland ~p2cies (e.g. t rails, terns and frogs); and 3. Species officially listed as either Endangered~

Threatened or Special Concern in Minnesota (see attached lists).

Projects designed to research, inventory and/or assess the management needs of these species are encouraged and will be given priority. Other project designs are also welcomed, including:

1. Field stUdies with an emphasis on environmental contamination problems;

2. Field studies with an emphasis on the management needs of forest nongame species; and

3. Theoretical projects whose objectives are to design (not implement) long-term monitoring programs for select species.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING PROPOSALS IS FRIDAV~ FEBRUARY 24, 1984. DECISIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 1984.

The selection of projects to be funded will be made with the assistance of a nonpartisan committee outside of the Department of Natural Resources.

Guidelines

1. Proposals will be accepted from anyone other than state personnel. University staff and students are invited to apply.

2. Monies will be available for field travel ($O.21Imile)~ subsistence and supplies. Requests are to range from $500 to $2000. Proposals over $2000 will be considered but usually will be available only for partial funding. Monies are available to financially support 5-10 proposals.

3. Proposals will be judged on the basis of scientific merit, compatability with goals of the Nongame ~Iildlife Program and qualifications of the research personnel.

4. We suggest that the proposal include the following:

A. Name, address, phone number, position and affiliation of investigators(s).

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B. Project description (objectives, methods~ location of study, schedule of activities).

C. Description of any collecting activities and identification of repository of collected speciniens.

D. Brief statement of qualifications of investigator(s). Undergraduate and graduate students should include a letter from their faculty advisor indicating the researcher's qualifications.

E. Budget outline. F. State when the Nongame Program will receive the

inventory results. A final report that details all aspects of the study will be required. The technical location of nongame species collected or observed as

. part of the study should be provided. Details should include township, range and section (to 1/4 1/4 section when feas i b 1 e) •

Keep the proposal brief and concise; a suggested length is 3-6 pages.

Apply to: Nongame Wildlife Program Depa rtment of Na tura 1 Resources Box 7, Centennial Office Building 658 Cedar Street St. Paul, Minnesota 55155

Questions may be directed to Lee Pfannmuller, Nongame Staff Zoologist (612-297-2276) .

LP:rcm

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CLASSIFTEms

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DEL I CNf:E S SEN

REMEMBER-After each meeting we will have available our featured

take-out items ..

:B1RESH FROZEN MICE-$3,,00 per dozen.

}I'RESH :B1ROZEN RATS-JUMBO SIZE-$1. 50 ..

F'RESH FROZEN RAT PUPS-~~3 .00 per dozen ..

Remember, if you want rats qr mice, they are available by res.ervation only. You MUST place your order with Bruce or Connie at 938-0680 no later than 7:00 PM on Thursday the day before the meeting. Logistics dictate this policy, so plea,se cooperate with us. If you do try and order after the deadline, you will Ihave to wait until the following month .. Don't miss out!

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FOR SALE: 2 Northern Pine Snakes .. 20". Ji'eeding on fuzzies .. $90.00 or trade .. Con­tact Joel Eidbo at 218-728-5712.

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WANTED: Refreshments for the monthly meetings. If you would like to help. contact Sally Brewer at 647-0661 ..

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Remember, the deadline for submitting ads, etc .. , is the 15th of the month .. Late arrivals will be held over for the next issue of the Newsletter .. Please send any items to Jim Gerh0ldt, P .. O. Box 86, Webster, MN 55088. You may also bring them to the meeting and give them to Jim or any Board member.

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WANTED: Books and journals in the field of Herpetology .. Help build your MRS Li­brary. If there is a particular book you would like to see in the Library" let us know! We are looking for good used out of print books to buy ..

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DO YOU HAVE YOUR MHS T-SHIRT? IF NOT, GET WITH IT! WE NOW HAVE THEM IN KELLEY GREEN ALONG \vITH BUD GRANT GREY, YELLOW, AND BJ-l DE •

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CLASSIFIEDS

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If you would like a lecture or demonstration with plenty of live reptiles for your school, scout group, etc., giVl9 Jim Gerholdt a call at 507-652-2996.

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Llifgtst Selection of Reptl,.. III Amphibians in Minnesota Hlgh QuaUty • Reasonable Prices - Personal Service

Cages, Sooks, F~ed " Supplies

511 E)(~r Ave. e. HoptdI'\8J,MN,Si{m

PET SHOP

Owners: ~ruce " Connie 084," (612) 938-0680

Open 7 Day, a Week

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FOR SALE: I'lliS STICKERS .. $1 .00 each or 12 for $10.00 .. Por all mail orders please send a self addressed stamped envelope. See sample on next page.

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We need raf;fle items" Can you help us? Cages, curios t books, etc.

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TURTLEMOON PALMISTRY / ASTROLOGY I SPIRITUAL MIi!:DI'fATIONS

LEI EHLERT ~.'2' 07Q-7"U

TAPE RECORDINGS AVAlLA8LE

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ACTtTAL SIZE!

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President Vice-President Secretary 'llrea.surer Newsletter Editor IVlember-a t-Large Nember-at-Large Member-at-Large Member-at-Large

}vIHS Officers

Del Jones Bruce Delles Connie Delles Diane Hanson Jim Gerholdt :B'red Bosman F'ran Prisch Kip Hanson Ann porwoll

938-8555 938-1679 938-1679 448-7526 507-652-2996 476-0306 488-7619 448-7526 489-7853

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1983 INVENTORY AVAILABLE

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FOR THE 1984 EDITION

INVENTORY OF LIVE REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS IN CAPTIVITY

The 1983 edition contains an invento~y of living specimens held in 198 reptile and amphibian collections (75 public and 123 private) f~om ten countries. Information is current as of January 1, 1983, with 366 genera~ 911 species~ and 1~191 forms represen­ted. Info~mation on reproduction includes 367 taxa along with a 40 page bibliography on breeding.

Published by the author~ 1983. 254 pp., $ 25.00 ($ 20.00 paper­bound) plus $ 1.50 postage~ ($2.50 overseas).

This inventory is an ongoing project with corrections, updates, and expansi~ns being planned over the next several years. All institutions, worldwide, holding live reptiles and/or amphibians are asked to submit inventories and breeding information current up to January 1st of each year" Private collectors are also welcomed to submit information, but emphasis is on those collec­tions which have breeding potential~ have had breeding success in the past, or hold species which are rare or difficult to obtain. 1 hope to compare annual inventory data~ as well as producing the inventory and breeding information.

I am now preparing to receive information current as of January 1, 1984. If you keep live reptiles and/or amphibians in captivi­ty, please respond with the information requested below.

(1) A complete inventory of all reptiles and amphibians held in your collection current as of January 1st. Sexes should be in­cl Ltded and can be 1 i sted "mal e/femal e/unknown se:{" II

(2) A list of all species which bred and produced young during 1983, including numbers of yeung for each species.

(3) Any miscellaneous breedin~ information (use the information presented in the 1983 edition as a guide). Include detailed information for all species which you feel should be listed.

(4) A listing of any publications, including books~ museum bulle­tins~ journals, magazines, etc. with reference to reproduction in reptiles and amphibians. References pertaining to the care of individual species as well as mare general articles relating to temperature, light cycle, hibernation, etc. are of interest.

Deadline for receipt of information is March 1st.

All orders and information should be sent to:

Frank L. Slavens, P.O. Box 30744, Seattle, Washington~ 98103.

19

MINNESOTA

HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY

BELL MUSEUM OF NA TURAL HISTORY

10 CHURCH STREET S E <0 MINNEAPOLIS .. A"lINNESOfA 55455 0104

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY HELl, MUSEllM OF NAlllRAL IIISTORY

10 CHllRCH ~TREET S.E .• MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA ';<;4';';·0104

NAME ______________________________________________________________________________ ___

ADDRESS ________________________________________________________________________ __

CITY ____________________________________ STATE ____________ ZIP. __________________________ _

PHONE __________________________ INTERESTS __________________________________________ __

TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP

o FAMILy ............................. $10.00

Admits all members of a family to monthly meetings.

o INDMDUAL ......................... $7.50

o CORRESPONDING .................... $5.00 For out-of-state members·

OFFICIAL MUS T -SH I R.T

Yellow shirt with blue screening.

S 0 MOL 0 XL 0

$7.00 each, $1.00 postage/handling.

PLEASE ENCLOSE PAYMENT WITHAPPUCATION. MAKE CHECKs 'PAyABLE TO MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY. MEMBERSHIP IST~lf 12 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF}OINING. YOU Will RECEIVE YOUR MEMJrnRsHIP CARD BY RETURN MAIL. A RECEIPT WILL BE SENT om Y UPON REQtm~

,."2S;:';~