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Transcript of Vol. 28 (2008), No. 5
M I N N E S O T A
H E R P E T O L O G I C A L S O C I E T Y
N E W S L E T T E R
May 2008 Volume 28 Number 5
MAY IS RATTLE
SNAKE MONTH
WITH SPEAKER JIM
GERHOLDT
A REBUTTAL ON A
FLAWED PYTHON
NEWS RELEASE.
2008 MHS FIELD
SURVEY
INFORMATION
IN THIS ISSUE:
� e Purpose of the Minnesota Herpetological Society is to:
• Further the education of the membership and the general public in care and captive propagation
• Educate the members and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles and amphibians;
• Promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.� e Minnesota Herpetological Society is a non-profi t, tax-exempt orga-nization. Membership is open Newsletter is published monthly to provide its members with information concerning the society’sto all individuals with an interest in amphibians and reptiles. � e Minnesota Herpetologi-cal Society activities and a media for exchanging information, opinions and resources.
General Meetings are held at Borlaug Hall, Room 335 on the St. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota on the fi rst Friday of each month (unless there is a holiday confl ict). � e meeting starts at 7:00pm and lasts about three hours. Please check the MHS Voice mail for changes in schedules or cancellations.
Ads or Notices must be submitted no later than the night of the General Meeting to be included in the next issue. Longer Articles will be printed as time and space allows and should be in electronic File format if possible. See Inside back cover for ad rates.
Submissions may be sent to:� e Minnesota Herpetological SocietyAttn: Newsletter EditorBell Museum of Natural History10 Church St. SE.Minneapolis, MN 55455.0104Please send email to [email protected]
MHS VOICE MAIL: 612.624.7065
MHS WEBPAGE: HTTP://WWW.MNHERPSOC .ORG
GROUP E MAIL : HTTP ://WWW. GROUPS.YAHOO.COM/ GROUP/
MNHERPSOC
Minnesota Herpetological Society MSY 2008 VOLUME 28 NUMBER 5President
Jennifer Hensley
Vice- President David Dewitt
Treasurer Nancy Haig
Membership Secretary Chris Smith
Recording Secretary Ellen Heck News Letter Editor James Soos
MEMBERS AT LARGEJeff LeClere
Pete Kazeck
Christina Dunathar Kathy Claugherty
COMMITTEES
Adoption Sara Richard
Education Jan Larson
Library Carmelita Pfar
WebmasterAnke Reinders
1
Cover Animal Black Tailed Rattler By Jim Gerholdt
In mid-February 2008, a news release issued by United
States Geological Survey (USGS) indicated on a map of
the U.S. mainland the “climatically suitable” areas for
“invasive alien pythons. ” Now many people feel that
there is nothing more terrible than being invaded by an
alien python and the USGS news release quickly gener-
ated extensive publicity. Newspapers and television
programs around the country made mention of the story.
Federal biologists were interviewed. The resulting
publicity was a lesson in fear-mongering promoted by a
government agency.
The reports were based on a paper titled “What Parts
of the US Mainland Are Climatically Suitable for Inva-
sive Alien Pythons Spreading from Everglades National
Park?” The authors are Gordon H. Rodda, Catherine S.
Jarnevich and Robert N. Reed. Dr. Rodda graciously sent
us an advance copy of the paper, which has been accepted
and is in press at Biological Invasions. The authors are
employed by the U.S. Geological Survey
Biological Resources Division and are identifi ed on the
internet as “invasive species biologists. ” The invad-
ing alien python to which the title refers is the Burmese
python, Python molurus bivittatus, an Asian species now
included on the list of 45 exotic reptile species found
in South Florida.The conclusion of the paper is that the
Asian rock python, Python molurus, could thrive in the
climate of the southern third of the U.S.A. , including
Memphis, Oklahoma City,Dallas, Tucson, San Francisco,
Fresno, Washington, D.C. , and even southern Utah. In
an interview published by the San Francisco Chronicle
on 21 February 2008, biologist Roddastated that already
he had found one Burmese python that had traveled 100
miles from the Everglades on its way to California.
We fi nd it irresponsible for federal biologists to have
publicly stated or published that “invading alien pythons”
from the Everglades were in the process of spreading
throughout the country. As we will show, there are no
data in the paper that would support this conclusion.
The publicity sought and managed by USGS employees
constitutes a grave abuse of the public trust. This was
a careful presentation based on data that are severely
compromised by selective interpretation, resulting in
gross exaggeration of what are posed as probable future
scenarios.
In our opinion, to disseminate as fact such fanciful predic-
tions of disaster to a naive public in the name of science
and government agencies amounts to ecoterrorism. It
appears to us to be a self-serving attempt by federal biolo-
gists to bully and intimidate the American public into sup-
porting unnecessary regulation, research and grants.
We here discuss our various criticisms of the paper and its
conclusions.
Why Is the Indian Python Included in the Analysis?
A fundamental fl aw of the study is the addition of the
Indian python, Python molurus molurus, to the analysis.
The fi rst sentence of the second paragraph in the Intro-
duction reads as follows: “The Burmese Python is a ques-
tionable subspecies of the Indian Python, Python molurus
(McDiarmid et al. 1999). ” This casual throwaway line
is apparently intended as the justifi cation to expand the
analysis to include the western subspecies, P. m. molurus.
Close examination of the account for P. molurus in Mc-
Diarmid et al. (1999) clearly shows that there is nothing
“questionable” about the validity of the taxon bivittatus.
It is currently accepted and in wide use by all authori-
ties and has been for nearly 80 years (Mertens, 1930;
Stull, 1935; Stimson, 1969; McDiarmid et al. , 1999). In
fact, we are aware that there has been discussion among
several groups to recognize bivittatus as a full species; at
least one manuscript is in prep.
The Indian python, P. m. molurus, is listed as an endan-
gered species by the U.S. Endangered Species Act, and
as an Appendix I endangered species by CITES. The
U.S. captive population is small, with fewer than 100
individuals (our estimate) spread across the country in
private hands, and a few in zoos. The taxon has not been
imported since 1972. There are no established wild
populations in North America and there are no reports of
escapes; to our knowledge, not a single specimen has ever
been recovered from the wild in the U.S.A.
The Indian python is one of two python taxa endemic to
the northern hemisphere, while the Burmese python dis-
tribution extends to 8ES latitude. The Indian python is
a widespread, polymorphic taxon with some populations
highly adapted in size, diet, behavior, and thermal toler-
ances in response to habitat, elevation and climate unique
to the Indian subcontinent. Specimens from the popula-
tions in the xeric areas of Pakistan rarely exceed 3 m in
length and adult size of some is less than 2 m (Minton,
1966, and pers. com. ). Elsewhere in the range, speci-
mens have been known to reach or exceed 5. 5 m (Wall,
1912; Murphy and Henderson, 1997).
As evidence of their unique genetic identities, the two
subspecies exist in sympatry in several areas of their
distribution (Barker and Barker, 2008). They apparently
maintain their genetic identities through resource parti-
tioning of prey and habitats (O’Shea, 2007).
Comments on a Flawed Herpetological
Paper and an Improper and Damag-
ing News Release from a Government
Agencyby David G. Barker and Tracy M. Barker,
2
THE NEWS LETTER OF THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY MAY 2008 VOLUME 28 NUMBER 5
3
We question the logic and the motives of the authors
that they would have even considered to include data
derived from the distribution of the Indian python in
this study when clearly only P. m. bivittatus is the focus
of their concern. As is the case with other fl aws in
this study, this decision creates the distinct impression
that the authors manipulated data purposely to create a
particular result.
The decision to include the Indian python in the data set
and analysis negates all validity to this study.
Problems with Burmese Pythons in the Analysis
Never mind the Indian python problem, an equally
serious fl aw exists in the data sample taken across the
range of Burmese pythons.
Burmese pythons naturally occur in the countries of
India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand,
Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, China and Indonesia. Most
of these countries have never allowed commercial
exportation of live Burmese pythons. To our knowl-
edge, there has never been any specimen in captivity or
for sale in this country that was identifi ed as being from
India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Laos,
Cambodia, China or Indonesia.
The following import/export information for Bur-
mese pythons comes from a 1989 data sheet created
by CITES Trade Database (Global Python Trade,
1984SQ1998). Information on trade in pythons is
available today at [http: / /www.unep-wcmc.org/cit-
estrade/].
Thailand was the primary exporter of Burmese pythons
from the late 1960s until commercial exports were
stopped after 1985. We are told by Otis Whitaker, a
Burmese python importer in the 1970s who spent many
years traveling to Bangkok, that the bulk, if not all, of
Burmese pythons exported from Bangkok were col-
lected in the general vicinity of Bangkok. Most or all
came from between 13 to 14E30NN latitude, at eleva-
tions not exceeding 100 m.
In 1986, Malaysia suddenly began exporting several
thousand Burmese pythons; the following fi ve years
Malaysia was the dominant supplier to the American pet
trade. Signifi cant numbers of Burmese pythons were
exported from Singapore in 1986 and from Taiwan in
1990. Interestingly, Burmese pythons are not known
to naturally occur in any of the three countries (Barker
and Barker, 2008). We do not know the origins of
those pythons, but it seems parsimonious to assume
that those shipments of extralimital pythons originated
from Thailand. Hong Kong, then a colony of the
United Kingdom, also exported live pythons in 1988,
but the circumstances are the same as for Singapore
and Taiwan, and it is highly unlikely that those pythons
originated from anywhere near Hong Kong.
Numbers of imported Burmese pythons steadily declined
from 1988 through the early 1990s. Relatively few live
Burmese pythons were exported during 1991 - 1993.
In 1994, Vietnam began to export live Burmese pythons,
and since that time has been the source of nearly all
Burmese pythons imported into this country. These
Burmese pythons imported into the U.S.A. are mostly
from captive breeding farms in southeast Vietnam in the
vicinity of Ho Chi Minh City. This is located between
10 and 11EN latitude at an elevation less than 50 m.
Therefore it is our observation and opinion that all Bur-
mese pythons in the United States are from or descended
from tropical, low latitude, low elevation populations.
Rodda et al. (2008) even state “Furthermore, the gene
pool of the North American population of P. molurus
may include only a small subset of the genetic variability
found in the native range. . . . ” Regardless, they still
chose to include in their data set samples derived from
throughout the entire distribution of both P. m. bivittatus
and P. m. molurus.
Again, decisions to include irrelevant data from popula-
tions that do not exist and have never existed in cap-
tivity very negatively skew the results of the analysis.
One must infer that the decision to analyze data from
throughout the range of the two subspecies was made
purposely to create a particular result. This misuse of
data alone negates all validity of this paper.
The Data
There is a discourse in the Introduction on how little is
known about the natural history, ecology, and population
biology from any locality. The authors state, “Unfortu-
nately, relevant demographic, energetic, or physiological
values are unknown for any place in the python’s range.
” Apparently when faced with these daunting obstacles,
invasive species biologists turn to climate data as a
proxy in order to make predictive models. We can only
assume that the data set used in the analyses included cli-
mate data derived from localities north of 30EN latitude,
elevations up to 2400 m, and temperatures as low as 2EC
--- these being some of the extremes mentioned in the
text. In several places in the text the authors talk about
localities in the “foothills of the Himalayas” and hiber-
nation for extended periods of time --- neither of which
applies to southern Vietnamese pythons. It may be that
there are small, outlier populations to which this applies,
but it does not apply to the Burmese pythons now resid-
ing in the Everglades.
We don’t know what parameters were set in the data
analysis because the data are not included in the paper.
We emailed a request to authors Rodda and Reed for
information about what environmental factors and values
THE NEWS LETTER OF THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY MAY 2008 VOLUME 28 NUMBER 5
4
were utilized in the analysis. Our requests were unanswered.
Again, this suggests the possibility that the data have been
manipulated to achieve a foregone conclusion. How many
separate analyses were made, each time stroking the data
until fi nally the desired map was created?
We recommend that it would be a proper action now for the
authors to publish the data used in all analyses, including the
exact locations of the 149 weather reporting stations used
in the analysis, what exact snake localities they supposedly
were paired with, and all data used from each locality, in-
cluding location, elevation, all temperature and climate data,
annual and seasonal precipitation, and any other seasonal
data. In particular, it would be important to list all analyses
that were made, and all changes of the data set to achieve
each analysis.
The Analysis and Results
This analysis used climate data from throughout the ranges
of the two python subspecies to generate a map showing the
general climatic conditions within the distribution. Then,
correlating the Asian data to U.S. climate data, a map was
generated of the climatic conditions in the U.S.A. theoreti-
cally suitable for the survival of the two taxa. In the results
of the published study, the approximate lower third of the
country was indicated as favorable in climate.
It is, however, an erroneous conclusion to state that the
results predict that the Burmese python could survive any-
where in the lower third of the country, even if climate were
the only limiting factor. Nevertheless, as given by the title
of their paper, this was the statement made by the authors.
This conclusion totally ignores the fact that data for a sec-
ond taxon were included in the analysis. Also, and more
important, to arrive at this conclusion is to totally ignore the
importance of adaptations that each population has made to
its particular locality and habitat.
As interpreted by the authors, their results predict that a
Burmese python from tropical southeastern Vietnam could
survive if it were placed in temperate Sichuan, China, or in
the deserts of western Pakistan. That is no different than
making the ludicrous statements that the Burmese pythons in
the Everglades would thrive in Oklahoma City or San Fran-
cisco. Yet those exact statements were broadcast all across
the nation on television, radio, newspapers, and magazines
during the week of 18SQ22 February 2008.
We feel that the better conclusion to draw from the analysis
is that if one could pick and choose from any of the popula-
tions of the Asian rock python in nature, then by selectively
placing pythons from particular localities into climatically
similar localities in the U.S.A. , it might be possible to
establish P. molurus populations in many localities in the
lower third of the country --- if climate was the only limiting
factor.
MHS Needs Volunteers:Holiday Banquet Committee Chair
Please contact Jennifer Hensley
Of course, another interpretation is that over a period of
perhaps one or two million years, the Burmese pythons in
the Everglades may be able to expand their range in the
U.S.A. through adaptation and evolution, as has happened
in Asia.
Somehow this is not the message that was broadcast in the
USGS news release.
Conclusions
We don’t fault scientists for setting up and working
through unsuccessful projects. We don’t fault scien-
tists for coming to wrong conclusions. However , when
biased, self-serving, and damaging information is dis-
seminated in a tabloid-like manner by news releases to the
national media, we must question the motives, integrity,
and the agenda of the U.S. Geological Survey. We make
the following points:
Before this paper was submitted to a journal, it should
have undergone internal review within the U.S. Geological
Survey. Was this paper released by the USGS in accor-
dance with the strictly mandated protocol in the federal
Information Quality Act (IQA)?
How did this paper pass the peer review ostensibly
required before acceptance for publication in the journal
Biological Invasions? We question the objectivity of the
journal, the qualifi cations of the reviewers, and the choices
made by the editor.
All persons involved with snakes, including snake keepers,
hobbyists, snake breeders, importers, exporters, pet shops,
nature centers, schools, zoos, and even children with pet
snakes have been irreparably and immeasurably damaged
by the false reports given to the media by USGS employ-
ees. Decades of work to educate the public about snakes
were destroyed in the 15 minutes of fame enjoyed by these
researchers.
This report and its circus-like news release constituted an
attack on American small businesses. Reptile breeders,
pet stores, rodent breeders, and other ancillary businesses
have been drastically and negatively affected by this study.
Tens of thousands of businesses have been damaged.
Additionally, in Florida and across the South, real estate
brokerages and agents, developers and city governments
also may have been damaged by the national hysteria cre-
ated by theUSGS News Release. The idea was planted in
THE NEWS LETTER OF THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY MAY 2008 VOLUME 28 NUMBER 5
the mind of the public that pythons are invading the South,
all based on this deeply fl awed report.We feel that the U.S.
Geological Survey and its employees have acted improp-
erly in the manner in which this report was prepared and
then released to the public. This is particularly egregious
considering that the paper itself is little more than yellow
journalism cloaked as science. We question whether the
agenda that was transparently the underlying basis for this
paper, that being to exaggerate and infl ate the problems
posed by Burmese pythons in South Florida, was that of
the researchers, or of the U.S. Geological Survey, itself.
The highly subjective nature of this invalid study, the
infl ammatory and incorrect results publicized in the USGS
news release, and the resulting media storm, have been the
equivalent of yelling fi re in a crowded theater --- lots of
people were hurt, and there was no fi re.
David G. Barker and Tracy M. Barker, [email protected]
Literature Cited
Barker, D. G. , and T. M. Barker. 2008. The distribution
of the Burmese python, Python molurus bivittatus. Bull.
Chicago Herp. Soc. 43(3):33-38. [this issue]
McDiarmid, R. W, J. A. Campbell and T. A. Touré. 1999.
Snake species of the world: A taxonomic and geographic
reference, Vol. 1. Washington, D.C. : The Herpetologists’
League.
Mertens, R. 1930. Die Amphibien und Reptilien der
Inseln Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa und Flores (Beitrage zur
Fauna der Kleinen Sunda-Inseln I). Frankfurt: Abhand-
lungen der Senckenbergischen Naturforschenden Gesell-
schaft 42(3): 115-344.
Minton, S. A. 1966. A contribution to the herpetology
of West Pakistan. Bulletin of the American Museum of
Natural History 134(2):29-184.
Murphy, J. C. , and R. W. Henderson. 1997. Tales
of giant snakes: A historical natural history of anacondas
and pythons. Malabar, Florida: Krieger Publishing Com-
pany.
M ’Shea, M. 2007. Boas and pythons of the world.
Princeton and Oxford: Princeton University Press.
Rodda, G. , C. S. Jarnevich and R. N. Reed. 2008. What
parts of the US mainland are climatically suitable for the
invasive alien
pythons spreading from Everglades National Park? Bio-
logical Invasions [in press].
THE NEWS LETTER OF THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY MAY 2008 VOLUME 28 NUMBER 5
Stimson, A. 1969. Liste der rezenten Amphibien und
Reptilien. Boidae (Boinae + Bolyeriinae + Loxoceminae +
Pythoninae). Das Tierreich, Berlin, 89.
Stull, O. G. 1935. A check list of the family Boi-
dae. Proceedings, Boston Society of Natural History 40(8):
387-408.
Wall, F. 1912. A popular treatise on the common Indian
snakes. Part XVII. Journal of the Bombay Natural History
Society 21: 447-476.
Editor’s Note:
I would like to personally thank the Barkers and the Chi-
cago Herp Society for allowing use to reprint this article.
This month was kind of quiet. Only 9 animals came in. I
believe the Snapping turtle is in foster so if anyone needs
one let us know. For anyone that missed the meeting, an
adult Corn came in with severe, old, healed chew marks.
I took it home and he came to his fi rst hands on. He was
a great conversation piece what with all the divots. A
good reminder of why it is a bad idea to feed live.
1 6” Snapping turtle
1 Ornate Box Turtle
2 Painted Turtles
Corn Snake
Burmese Python
2 Boas (common)
1 Dumerals
Sarah Richard
Adoption Chair
Minnesota Herpetological Society
The Adoption Report
Sherry Peterson with Burmese Python at Hands on Event at East-
man Nature Center. Photo by Jim Soos
5
Where: Afton State Park When: June 20 -22 2008
First of all, thank you to all who voted for the date for this
year’s survey. Many members voted, and several people re
already signed up for the event.
The MHS performs an annual survey at a State Park de-
cided upon by both the MHS and the MN DNR. We report
our fi ndings to the park and to the parks system at the
DNR so they are aware of what herps occur in the park.
This report also helps them manage herp habitat within the
park.
You don’t need to have herping experience to attend the
survey. We usually like to herp in groups so there will be
plenty of assistance for those who wish to learn. Aside
from herping, the Field Survey is a great place to get to
know fellow MHS members. We have picnics at the “base
camp” and those who stay for the weekend have a blast
camping out with a bunch of other herpers. I also must
mention the ever-popular campfi res; a setting in which
lively conversation, food, and fun are always had, with
frequent breaks to fend off those pesky raccoons! Those of
you who camped at last year’s survey know what I mean!
The herp specimens we catch are often brought back to the
“base camp” for a photography session. These sessions al-
low for additional conversations about photography tech-
niques, tips, and equipment, all while getting some great
photos. If we are lucky, Jim Gerholdt and Blake Sheldon
will attend the photo shoot. Both are excellent photogra-
phers, and Jim typically brings along a multifunctional
set in which to pose our catches. They are always glad to
share photography tips with other members. Of course, all
of our herp “models” are released where they were caught
after everyone gets pictures.
Needless to say, there is much more to the MHS Field
Survey than just searching for herps. There are many dif-
ferent opportunities to share knowledge and get to know
other members. I hope to see some new faces out there this
year. If interested, please sign up at the May or June MHS
meeting. If you will not be able to attend those meetings,
my contact information is listed below, along with some
general information about the survey:
You must be a current member of MHS to attend the
survey.
Please follow the rules and guidelines set forth by MHS
and the Survey Coordinators.
The survey is open to all MHS members from those
with no fi eld experience to seasoned herpers. Experienced
herpers can teach those with little or no experience. Typi-
FIELD SURVEY 2008 IS NOW
JUNE 20 - 22
THE NEWS LETTER OF THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY MAY 2008 VOLUME 28 NUMBER 5
cally, this is a group event; please be respectful of others as
there will be members with differing levels of fi eld exper-
tise.
MHS provides fi rewood, park maps, permits, and some
food and drinks. Entrance and campsite fees are either fur-
nished or reimbursed by MHS, depending upon the park.
Please bring your own fi eld clothing and fi eld/camping
gear. MHS provides containers for holding specimens, but
individuals must bring their own nets, snake hooks, etc.
Surveys begin Friday evening and usually go until mid
day Sunday. Feel free to stay for the entire survey, or attend
one day or part of one day.
Sign up before attending the survey. Likewise, notifi -
cations of cancellations are also encouraged as we try to
organize group searches. We do not want to leave anyone
out, but we also do not want to wait for people who are not
going to show. You can sign up for the survey at monthly
meetings, by email, or by phone.
For more information check out the MHS web site: http://
www.bellmuseum.org/herpetology/Research.html or from
the main page, click Events and Meetings, then click Re-
search/Field Trips.
If you have questions, please contact me at Reptilia74@aol.
com or at 651 488 6388.
Hope to see you there!
Jeff LeClere
2007 MHS Survey Photos By Jim Soos
6
JUVIE PAGE
THE NEWS LETTER OF THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY MAY 2008 VOLUME 28 NUMBER 5
Name Sage BackerAge 11 (06/04/1996
How long have you been going to MHS Meetings? Since I was Born, First MHS meeting I was 3 days old.
What is best about the MHS?The raffl e and Speakers What is your favorite Herp?Ornate Box turtle
Next herp you would like to get? A Bearded Dragon
What are you Pets‛ Names?Mable, Tony, Leana, Smokey, Tasha, Spike, ChocoChip, Inie, Mehni, Minnei, Moe, Stucky, Hinge, Alvin and alot more oth-ers to Name.
7
THE NEWS LETTER OF THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY MAY 2008 VOLUME 28 NUMBER 5
Our last meeting, Friday April 4th saw our annual White Snake
Sale, one of the MHS’s oldest and largest yearly fundrais-
ers. This year there were a variety of Herp related items open for
silent bids in 3 separate rounds of sales. The annual photo contest
was held and a new addition to the fun an Art Auction!
There was a bit of spirited bidding in both rooms with delighted
winners all around and others wishing they had just bid $1 more.
The night began rather early with the fi rst volunteers arriving
around 5pm. There was much carrying, joking and talking as
items arrived, were entered into the database and arranged into
sales rounds. Through out the night volunteers brought back
sold bids, set up for the next rounds, watched for late bidders
and in the end totaled up numbers, delivered treasure and fi nally
re-stored the room to it’s original condition, fi nally leaving
around 10pm. All told $1351.00 in sales of donated items a new
MHS record for one nights work.
I
n the main room the Photo contest produced a lot of conversa-
tion and admiration for the skills of all the entrants, then, during
the break our Auctioneer and his spotters raised over $359.00
auctioning off the donated art items.
These volunteers deserve our thanks, so in no particular order:
Skyler Bouley, Anke Reinders, Renee Valois, Yvette Marten,
Carmelita Pfarr, Angel Nunez, Fred Bosman, Liz Bosman, Tim
Einman, Lilly Carlon, Brandy Snyder, Christina Danathar, Nancy
Haig, Bruce Haig, Josh Mahlow, Dave Dewitt, Amanda Dewitt,
Ellen Heck, Chad Danathar, John Moriarty, Randy Blasus and
Chris Smith, Thank you very much! I apologize if I omitted
anyone.
Of course since all of the Items were donated and we would of
course like to thank all the members and artists who donated to
the sale and auction.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the following stores
and vendors who stepped up to the plate and supported us with
generous donations, Once again in no particular order:
Petco Roseville, Exotic Aquatics, Twin Cities Reptiles, Exo-
Terra, Leap’n Lizards, St. Cloud Animal Hospital, Zoo Med
Laboratories, Pretty Pets and The RAD Zoo.
In closing, we raised over $1700.00 this year all from our mem-
bers who helped out by opening their pockets and purchasing.
We hope you enjoyed it and remember to plan for next year’s
sale!
Thanks, George Richard WSS Chair.
WHITE SNAKE SALE REPORT: HANDS ON PHOTOS.
Photo By Bill Moss
Photo By Jim Soos
Photo By Jim Soos
9
THE NEWS LETTER OF THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY MAY 2008 VOLUME 28 NUMBER 5
In February, Scott and I participated in the hands-on at the
Twin Cities Pet Expo. This was our fi rst hands-on experi-
ence and we didn’t know what to expect. What we found
out was how much we enjoyed it! Not only was it fun
to share our animals with the general public, but it was
equally fun to visit with and share information with the
other members there. We learned a few things, too!
In March, we participated in our second hands-on . The
Sunset Hills Environmental Quality Fair was just as enjoy-
able. For two hours we were given the opportunity to
connect with elementary school-aged children and their
parents. For many of those we met, it was their fi rst face
to face encounter with a snake. Watching them walk away
with a smile on their face and knowing we had contributed
to a positive fi rst experience for them was incredible! Sev-
eral children came back for a second, and even a third time!
On our way out, one of the teachers that had been directing
the traffi c in the hallways told us that we had been very
popular - much more so than even the cake walk! Everyone
just wanted to know where the snakes were!
Although we’ve only participated in two, so far, Scott and
I have found that the hands-on education opportunities are
a great way for us, as members, to get involved and to
further the purpose of the MHS. By sharing our animals
during these hands-on events, we’ve been able to do some
educating in a casual, non-threatening way. I believe that
it’s a huge step in the right direction when we can provide
someone with a positive reptile and/or amphibian experi-
ence. Who knows what it may lead to.
I encourage everyone who has yet to participate in a hands-
on event to give it a try. I’m sure glad we decided to!
Our Hands-On Education
Experiences By Sonja Koolmo
Photo By Jim Soos
Photo By Bill Moss
Photo By Bill Moss Photo By Jim Soos
10
THE NEWS LETTER OF THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY MAY 2008 VOLUME 28 NUMBER 5
Jim has been working with rattlesnakes for almost 50 years.
He got his fi rst, a Northern Pacifi c, in February of 1961.
During the time he has worked in zoos, and served 2 terms
on the Antivenin Committee of the American Association of
Zoological Parks and Aquariums (AAZPA, now AZA) and
was also an advisor to the Aruba Island Rattlesnake Species
Survival Plan (SSP).He was fortunate to spend some time on
Aruba in 1989 assisting in fi eld work and another highlight
of his time working with these snakes was attending the 4
day Biology of the Rattlesnakes Symposium in Loma Linda
in January of 2005. The program will consist of slides of a
variety of species, some habitats, a few of natural history,
and some handling shots. He will also bring live specimens
for viewing. These will include an Aruba Island Rattlesnake
and our native Timber Rattlesnake, along with a few other
surprises.
MAY IS RATTLE SNAKE MONTH AT THE NEXT MHS
MEETING WITH GUEST SPEAKER JIM GERHOLDT.
Jim Gerholdt along with Sheldon Blake at last year’s Survey by Jim
Soos
Jim ‘s Hand vs Garter Snake during Photo Shoot by Jim Soos
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake by Jim GerholdtBlacktail Rattlesnake by Jim Gerholdt
Aruba Island Rattlesnake by Jim Gerholdt
11
Sedgwick County Zoo has become the fi rst zoo in the
Americas to document that Komodo dragons are capable
of parthenogenesis (reproduction without the contribu-
tion of a male). One Komodo dragon entered the world
on January 31 and a second hatched on February 1, 2008
thanks to this type of asexual reproduction.
Parthenogenesis is a reproductive process that occurs
naturally in some species including invertebrates, lower
plants, and less commonly in vertebrates such as reptiles
and fi sh. A parthenogenetic egg needs no fertilization
from a male because it inherits and duplicates the mother’s
chromosome. Based on a Komodo dragon’s genetics of
sex determination, hatchlings reproduced in this way will
always be male.
The hatchlings are healthy and feisty, the fi rst measur-
ing almost 17 inches long from nose to tail and weighing
104 grams and the second hatchling measuring 16 inches
long and weighing 100 grams. Both males are doing well.
Because of the nature of Komodo dragons, only one will
be on exhibit at a time starting today, February 6, in the
Amphibian and Reptile Building.
Sedgwick County Zoo has two adult Komodo dragons;
both are female and cared for separately. One female laid
approximately 17 eggs on May 19-20, 2007 and Zoo staff
followed the Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommendation
to incubate and hatch two eggs. The SSP wanted to further
document that Komodo dragons are capable of partheno-
genesis. Only two earlier cases were documented in 2006
at London Zoo and Chester Zoo in England.
Special thanks to the Sedgwick County Zoo for allowing
us to reprint this article.
THE NEWS LETTER OF THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY MAY 2008 VOLUME 28 NUMBER 5
12
TWO SEDGWICK COUNTY ZOO KO-
MODO DRAGONS HATCH WITHOUT
THE CONTRIBUTION OF A MALE
Photo supplied by the Sedgwich County
Zoo.
THE MHS BOARD WOULD LIKE TO
THANK BETH GIRARD FOR STEP-
PING UP AS THE DNR/STATE FAIR
COMMITTEE CHAIR.
Remember a newsletter
isn’t anything with out
your help. If you would
like to contribute an
article, Photograph or even
art please submit them by
5 p.m. on the following
Tuesday of every Meeting.
Please send all electronic
submissions to mh-
We are currently looking
for covers for the rest of
the year.
Jim Soos
Beginning Checkbook Balance:
22,998.50
Income:
Membership $205.00
Library Fines $0.00
Raffl e $62.25
Adoption $75.00
Rodent Sales $364.00
Hands Ons $100.00
Sales $0.00
Total income: $806.25
Expense:
Newsletter $0.00
Misc. prt/post. $0.00
Program $50.00
Library $0.00
Supplies $0.00
Hands On $0.00
Rodent cost $0.00
Adoption cost $0.00
Donations $0.00
Voicemail $92.32
Holiday Banquet $82.50
Total Expense $224.82
Cash increase/(decrease) $581.43
Other*
Ending Checkbook Balance: $23,568.93
Placement of cash holdings
Checking account $23,568.93
Cash on hand $155.00
Total $23,723.59
THE NEWS LETTER OF THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY MAY 2008 VOLUME 28 NUMBER 5
Beginning Checkbook Balance:
$23,568.93
Income:
Membership $160.00
Library Fines $0.00
Raffl e $66.75
Adoption $135.00
Rodent Sales $317.00
Hands Ons $300.00
Sales $0.00
Total income: $978.75
Expense:
Newsletter $269.55
Misc. prt/post. $0.00
Program $50.00
Library $0.00
Supplies $0.00
Hands ON $0.00
Rodent cost $0.00
Adoption cost $60.00
Donations $0.00
Voicemail $92.32
Holiday Banquet $82.50
Total Expense $421.87
Cash increase/(decrease) 556.88
Other*
Ending Checkbook Balance: $24,125.81
Placement of cash holdings
Checking account $24,125.81
Cash on hand $155.00
Total 24,280.81
Treasurer's Report for Feb 2008 Prepared by Nancy HaigTreasurer's Report for Jan 2008
13
Minnesota Herpetological Society Membership Application
Active Memberships: Sustaining ($60/year) Contributing ($40/year) Basic ($20/year)Corresponding Memberships: Commercial ($25/year, 2 business card ads/year) Required check info. Drivers Lic # State DOBPlease enclose the proper payment with your application. Make Checks Payable To: Minnesota Herpetological Society. Membership is for 12months from the date of approval, a receipt will be sent only upon request. Mail to: Minnesota Herpetological Society, Bell Museum of NaturalHistory, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Please allow 6-8 weeks for processing.
NewRenewalMembership#TypeCheck #
NameAddressCity, State, Zip,Phone Email List in MHS Directory? Yes NoHerp related interests
GGEETT YYOOUURR MMEESSSSAAGGEE TTOOYYOOUURR TTAARRGGEETT AAUUDDIIEENNCCEEWWIITTHH AA 11 //44 PPAAGGEE AADD..
$$1100 PPEERR MMOONNTTHH$$111100 PPEERR YYEEAARR**
Advertising PoliciesMHS Ad Policy: The MHS assumes NO RESPONSIBILITY regarding the health or legality ofany animal, or the quality or legality of any product or service advertised in the MHSNewsletter. Any ad may be rejected at the discretion of the Newsletter Editor. Due to spacelimitations, unpaid and complimentary advertisements are subject to occasional omission.Classified Ads: All active members are allowed a classified ad, run free of charge as spacepermits. Ads may be run three consecutive months, after which time they may be resub-mitted. Corresponding members are allowed a complimentary business card advertisementmonthly as space permits. Due to federal restrictions on non-profit mailing permits, we arenot allowed to run ads for travel, credit, or insurance agencies.Submissions: All advertisements should be submitted to the MHS Editor, Bell Museum ofNatural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Deadline is the night of theGeneral Meeting for inclusion in the next newsletter. Make checks payable to: MinnesotaHerpetological Society.
MHS AD RATESBusiness card $5/Month $55/Year*1/4 Page $10/Month $110/Year*1/2 Page $20/Month $220/Year*Full Page $40/Month $440/Year*
* Note: 12th month is free on a one year commitment
*12th month is free on a one year commitment
Minnesota Herpetological Society
Bell Museum of Natural History
10 Church Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104
Friday, May 2, 2008
Room 335 Borlaug Hall,
U of M St. Paul Campus
MHS Voice Mail: 612.624.7065
MHS Web Page:www.mnherpsoc.org
Next Meeting:
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Organization
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Mpls, MN
Permit No. 2275