vol. 23 (2003), no. 5
DESCRIPTION
Minnesota Herpetological Society NewsletterTRANSCRIPT
Board of Directors President Randy Blasus 952.925.4237
Vice President Tony Gamble
Recording Secretary Barb BuzJcky
Membership Secretary
763.424.2803
612-916-7575
Nancy Hakomaki 651.341.5707 [email protected]
Treasurer
Bell Museum ofNahlral History, 10 Church Street Southeast, Minneapolis Minnesota 55455"()104
The Minnesota Herpetological
s • 1 o c e t y
MHS We bpage: http,/Iwww.bellmllsellm.org/heroetology/Main.html
MHS Group Email: http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/mnherosoc.
Voice Mail, 612.624.7065 Marilyn Slasus 952.925.4237 ..................................................................................... _ ...... __ .... _""' __ .... ..
May 2003 Volume 24 Number 5 Newsletter Editor Bill Moss 651.488.1383
Members at Large Heather Clayton 651.291.2546
[email protected] Brian Ingbrelson 763.572.0487
[email protected] Philip Woutat 952.924.9128
[email protected] Heather fngbretson 763,572.0487
Immediate Past president Jodll. Aherns 612.588.9329
Adoption Sarah Richard
Education
Committees
612.781.9544 [email protected]
Jan Larson 507.263.4391 [email protected]
Northern Minnesota Jeff Korbel
Libra!), Beth Girard
Webmaster
218.586.2588
763.691.1650
Anke Reinders [email protected]
AmphibIans Greg Kvanbek John Meltzer John Moriarty
Chameleons
Herp Assistance
Vern & Laurie Grassel
Crocodilians Jeff Lang Bill Moss
LIzards Nancy Halg Heather Matson
Large Boas ~hons 11na CIsewski
Other Snakes Jeff Leclere John Meltzer
Aouatic Turtles Gary Ash John Levell
Ter[f:l;Slrial Tua!es Fred Bosman John Levell
651.388.0305 763.263.7880 651.482.8109
763·428·4625
701.772.0227 651.488.1383
763.434.8684 612.554.8446
612.856.2865
651.488.6388 763.263.7880
763.753.0218 507.467.3076
763.476.0306 507.467.3076
The Purpose of the Minnesota Herpetological Society is to: • Further the education of the membership and the general public in
care and captive propagation of reptiles and amphibians; • Educate the members and the general public in the ecological role
of reptiles and amphibians; • Promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.
The Minnesota Herpetological Society is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization. Membership is open to all individuals with an interest in amphibians and reptiles. The Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter is published monthly to provide its members with information concerning the society's activities and a media for exchanging information, opinions and resources.
General Meetings are held at Borlaug Hall, Room 335 on the St. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota, on the first Friday of each month (unless there is a holiday conflict). The meeting starts at 7:00pm and lasts about three hours. Please check the MHS Voice mail for changes in schedules or cancellations.
Submissions to the Newsletter Ads or Notices must be submitted no later than the night of the General Meeting to be included in the next issue. Longer articles will be printed as time and space allows and should be in electronic file format if possible. The business card rate is $5/month. Submissions may be sent to:
The Minnesota Herpetological Society Attn: Newsletter Editor Bell museum of Natural History 10 Church St. SE. Minneapolis, MN 55455.0104
-or~
Bill Moss 75 Geranium Ave East Saint Paul, MN 55117 -or[email protected]
Copyright 2003, Minnesota Herpetological Society. Except where noted, contents may be reproduced for non· profit, non·commerclal use only. -All material must be reproduced without change. Proper credit wUl be given
Including the author/photographer and the MHS Newsletter citing: volume, number and date.
l11e Newsletter of the ~1illllesota Herpetological Society May 2003 Volume 23 NumberS
The Vice-presidents report By Tony Gamble
May General Meeting Friday, May 2nd, 2003, 7:00 PM
Program: Herpetological Exploration in Arid Southwestern Africa -Forgotten History and Recent Discoveries
Guest Speaker: Aaron Bauer
Aaron Bauer's research has taken him to Southwest Africa several times. The rich herpetofauna of Namibia and South Africa is a rich
subject of study. Over the years Dr. Bauer has described several new species and 5 new genera of geckas from the region. His talk will focus on the history of herpetological exploration of the region from the 1800s to the present and conclude with a discussion of his own research.
Aaron Bauer is currently a professor of biology at Villanova University in Pennsylvania. He is author of the book "Das Tierreich volume 109. Gekkonidae. Part 1, Australia and Oceania". He is coeditor of "The Herpetological
Contributions of Wilhelm Peters (1815-1883)", published by the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. He co-authored "The Amphibians and Reptiles of Alberta: A Field Guide and Primer of Boreal Herpetology" (with Anthony Russell), "State and provincial amphibian and reptiles publications for the United States and Canada" (with John Moriarty), and 'The Herpetofauna of New Caledonia" (with Ross Sadlier). He has authored over 100 papers on geckos and other reptiles.
Aaron Bauer is an engaging speaker and this promises to be a fantastic talk with excellent photos. Don't miss iti
Upcoming Meetings:
Friday, June 6th, 2003 - Dave Kizirian, L.A. County Museum
Friday, July 11 th - Maureen Keamey, Field Museum of Natural History
Volunteer Awards Handed Out at the April Meeting.
Volunteers with 10 hours or more of service in 2002 were awarded MHS logo snake bags as a token of appreciation at the April meeting. Due to the bad weather that night, the turn-out was less than average so there are many bags that have yet to be picked up. Bags will be available at the May meet-
ing. Members who have 10 or more volunteer hours (the names were published in the April issue of the newsletter) should see Marilyn Blasus at the next meeting or contact her at 952.925.4237 to make other arrangements.
Help Wanted (Needed) With the MHS Newsletter.
I need your helpl
As always, I need original works for inclusion in the newsletter. This month I had virtually zero submissions which means that to produce an interesting newsletter, I have to spend a lot of time searching for content and finding graphics and supplement the text. Doing this takes a lot of time, I spent about 16 hours on this newsletter. I have to have some help with this or I will burn out just like my predecessors.
How can you help?
My preference is for original work. Barring that, many of you spend a good deal of time on the internet researching your herpetological interests. How about contributing to the newsletter by retrieving these articles that you find interesting, going to the web and finding graphics or photos to support the article and submitting it to me. This is something that you all can do and it would substantially reduce my workload.
Thanks in advance §
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TIle Newsletter of the Minnesota Hcrpetologif:al Society May 2003 Volume 23 NumberS
News, Notes & Announcements
May Adoption Report by Sarah Richard, Adoption Chair
We had a very interesting month, with 20 animals coming in. 6 Iguanas, 6 medium size snakes, 4 turtles and 4 other lizards. All but the Niles and the Iguanas found homes at the meeting. Liz Redmond was of the opinion that she had most of the Iguanas spoken for via outside placement. If someone has an interest in Iguanas they should contact Liz Redmond. For the Niles talk to me. For all of you that didn't make the meeting the Niles are tiny, but they grow-fast.
We raised $215.00 this month. A heart felt thank you to every one who participated in the adoption program. I couldn't do it without youl
Both Amendments to the MHS Bylaws Pass
Both of the amendments up for vote at the April meeting passed.
The amendments, fully described in the March Issue will make the following changes:
Change number one formally puts in place a system for streamlining the vote for MHS offices by putting into place a procedure that is accepted in Robert's Rules of Order. This allows for a verbal affirmation of the ballot in the event there are no contested positions.
Change number 2, effective the
Page 4
next election (Nov, 2003 for the calendar year 2004, the position of Immediate Past President has been eliminated. The number of board positions drops by one to 10 members. The past president will be asked to stay on as an advisor but will not have a vote.
Upcoming Hands-On Events
May 3 - Saturday -Env .. Expo/Arborday Event, Ramsey Elem.8am-1pm
May 17 - Saturday - Waterfest 2003, Phalen Park Pavilion, 10am-3pm
Call Jan Larson for more information 507.263.4391
The 2004 Renaissance Festival is fast approaching.
This year's Festival dates are weekends and Labor Day from August 16 through September 28. Get those costumes ready for action I
For more information, contact Nancy Hakomaki 651.341.5707 or Ellen Heck 763.593.5414. There will be more information in
these pages in the months to come.
2003 MHS Field Survey by Randy Blasus
MHS is busy planning the 2003 Field Survey. The park for this year will be William O'Brien. This scenic park is located north of Stillwater and encompasses a variety of habitats as well as a portion of the St Croix River in northern Washington county. This site is more or less an hour from the metro depending on where you live.
The date of the survey is June 21 & 22.
Camping will be available at a group campsite and the usual MHS amenities will be provided (ie. firewood, pop and water and some snacks). The park is semi-modern and has a swimming beach for those spouses and children who don't plan on herping or roughing it.
We welcome all persons interested in being out in the field whether you are amateur or experienced. This is scheduled to be the only survey of the season, so plan to come along. Watch the internet, newsgroup and newsletter for further details.
Happy herpin' RE Blasus
The Nc\\'sletter of the Minnesota Hcq)etological Socicty May 2003 Volume 23 Numbcr5
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Parasites and Your Pets: It's Not Just Your Reptiles That Can Affect You I recently read Tony Gamble's inter- family dog, and if the dog sleeps in Minnesota. esting article in the latest MHS issue the same bed or sits on your lap, about HSUS and reptile salmonel- those ticks can be transmitted to Furthermore, the eggs of several losis. I sent this info to him earlier in you. A person I know contracted dog nematode species (ie, the week, and he suggested I send Lyme disease in just such a way. Toxocara canis and Ancylostoma it to MHS. I have some experience caninum) are passed in fecal mate-(T.A.) with Parasitology (human and Another tapeworm of note would be rial or even transmitted from parents animal) and it should be noted that Echinococcus granulosus, which to puppies at birth. All it takes is for any domestic pet can potentially creates a hydatid cyst that may your dog to nose around in, or lick, carry several macro-parasites that occur almost anywhere within the excrement from an infected animal will infect humans. Dogs, for exam- body (including the brain). The (or for the few of us unfortunate pie, can harbor species of tape- people who have dogs that eat worm and nematode (we wont even "Another tapeworm of note excrement) to pick up the eggs get into protozoans or bacteria, as would be Echinococcus gran- (which are virtually undetectable by I'm not sure about them) that their ulosus, which creates a the naked eye). Even if the eggs are owners can pick up. Even though hydatid cyst that may occur not ingested by the dog, but get on most dog owners have their pets its nose/mouth and it licks your face "de-wormed" this medication is not almost anywhere within the and you swallow them, the eggs can preventative. It merely kills off what body (including the brain)." be transmitted to you. The result is a the animal is currently carrying. disorder called "visceral larval Therefore, eggs from these para- effects of this cyst may not be seen migrans". Because humans are not sites can be picked up by the dog on for several years and a single cyst the proper host for this paraSite any given trip out of doors and they may be large enough to contain as species, once in the body, the para-can become re-infected. much as 15 quarts of fluid (imagine site wanders aimlessly throughout
F I O· '·d· .. that pushing against your brain). A your visceral organs (because it
or examp e, Ipyl /Um canmum IS ltd t ···d t f· d h . I a dog t th t ft . re a e apeworm species In cam s can no In t e proper resting pace,
h.ld apelt~ortm a .tOt edn °hccurshm (domestic dogs, wolves, foxes, coy- as it would in a dog). Pathogenesis
c I reno s ransml e w en t e) . .. d
.. t . f t d fl ( h otes called Echmocuccus multJIoc- mcludes fever, pulmonary symp-og InJes s an In ec e ea tel .. I th t· It t h t I . h·l· ·Int rm d· t h t) All ·t t k . f u ans IS a so wor no mg. oms, epa omega y, eosmop Ila, e e la e os. I a es IS or . . d t . k fI causes not one, but many cysts, etc. They can cause leSions many
y~ur o~ 0 pIC IUP .f
eas s~m~- called mulitocular cysts, to be visceral organ (depending on where wfl
ere. d?r t~xamhP e, I yourff
og dS spread throughout the body. These they've migrated to) and can even ea me Ica Ion as worn 0 an . .
, f tt t h ·t d d cysts are small compared to E. show up In the retina. you ve orgo en. 0 ave I . up ate , granulosus, but are still formidable. or your dog accidentally picks up a The intermediate host for this The scenarios are almost endless. few fleas from another dog and your ..
h·ld ·d t II II species IS a rodent, and dogs con- A h f c I acci en a y swa ows one . f .. re t ese sorts 0 things common? b f th d' d·· tract It rom eating mice, rats, etc.. Nib bl
e ore e og s me Icatlon scares The eggs can then be picked up b ot real y. Pro a y more common the fleas awa~. Th~ ingested flea humans who clean do waste / than salmonellosis from reptiles ~eleases t~e Juveml~ ta~eworms from their ard, etc .. I( should b~ (although the.re a.re more pet dogs mto the child's gastrOintestinal sys- pOinted out~hat a c of hum than pet reptiles In the US). Cases tem a~d t~ey devel~p into adults. contracting this para~~t: wa~ rece~~ of reptile .salmonellosis, however, Keep In mind also, licks that carry Iy recorded in the state f get extensive press for some rea-Lyme disease. They attach to the 0 son. The point is that contracting ill
Page 5
The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society May 2003 Volume 23 NumberS
nesses from your pet (no matter what taxonomic Class it's from) is rare and reptiles should recieve no more notoriety for these sorts of occurrences than dogs and cats. It all boils down to the reproach humans have towards herptiles and ~ "mammal-centric" view of species Importance. I find it very interesting the HSUS is choosing to ignore the multitude of examples that can be found regarding man's best friend accidentally infecting the hand that feeds. Having been a herptile enthusiast most of my life, I find the lack of objectivity (and relavent information) that the HSUS has shown to have on the subject to be extremely distressing.
Sincerely,
Joshua M. Kapfer Department of Biological Sciences University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI 53211
PS a good resource for anything parasite-related: Schmidt, G.D, and L. S. Roberts. 2000. Foundations of Parasitology, 6th ed .. McGraw Hill, Boston, MS."
Page 6
Crocodilians Have the Ability to Swallow Prey Underwater John Brueggen, General Curator St. Augustine Alligator Farm
The palatal valve, in the back of a crocodilian's mouth, is a unique adaptation that seals the throat off from both air and water. Wrth this valve shut a crocodilian can grasp food underwater and not have the water flood past into the ~s?phagus or glottis. Essentially the Inside of a crocodilian's mouth is outside its body. Crocodilians obviously prefer to keep this palatal valve closed while submerged, and come to the surface to swallow their prey. It is often assumed that Crocodilians are unable to swallow food underwater, because of the overwhelming flood of water that would flow into their body. However, we have witnessed three species of crocodilian swallowing their food underwater. The first is a female freshwater crocodile, Crocodylus johnsoni, housed alone. On several occasions she has picked up pieces of meat from the bottom of the pool and proceeded to eat them without surfacing.
The second observation is of a female saltwater crocodile, Crocodylus porasus, housed with its mate. This female swallows both above the water and below, seeming not to have any preference for one over the other.
The most convincing observation has been a female false gavial, Tomistoma schlegelii. She is currently housed in a large exhibit with another female and a male. This exhibit affords visitors a complete underwater view of the entire pool though four glass panels. Soon after moving the female to this exhibit, I wit-
nessed her taking a piece of meat to the bottom of the pool and holding it. After about fIVe minutes, she very deliberately partially opened her mouth, then opened her palatal valve and quickly moved her head forward and swallowed the meat. She remained in a resting position on the bottom of the pool for another ten minutes. Since she had recently come to us from Audubon Zoo, I called the reptile staff there and asked if they had witnessed this behavior. They said that they had. Apparently the male Tomistoma at this facility was in the habit of stealing her food if she surfaced with it. I have witnessed her swallowing underwater on one other occasion. I believe the behavior is being extinguished by our training efforts, as our male does not have an opportunity to steal meat from the females.
I reluctantly included this subject in my talk at the 2002 Crocodilian Specialist ~roup (CSG) working meeting. I was Just sure that the crocodilian experts from around the wond were going to say that this was a very well known fact. But the only reference I found (Carpenter, 1928) is little more than guesswork on the part of the observer. Many CSG members came to me after the meeting and thanked me for mentioning this, as they too felt they had witn~ed this behavior. Only one person Said that they had actual video footage of a crocodilian swallowing underwater, but apparently it does happen with some frequency.
Literature Cited: Carpenter. C. D. H. 1928. Can crocodiles swallow their food under water? Nature [Lond.] 122:15.
Bull. Chicago Herp. Soc. 38(2):31,2003
TIle Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society May 2003 Volume 23 NumberB
MHS White Snake Sale-A Big Success by Heather Ingbretson photos by Randy Blasus
The White Snake Sale was a great success for 2003. Please give a round of applause to yourselves and a pat on the back, because MHS members brought in 288 items
for donation and offered 47 hours of
by Jim Gerholdf' for $57 (what a STEALI!I) and $40 for the Large Cabinet in the hall.
We received a lot of nice comments about the new and improved wider aisles and easier access to tables. There were some great comments about the speed of checkout compared to years previous and overall, things seem to have run pretty smoothly.
their time to MHS. A big thanks We received some suggestio~s for goes out to those people who improvement next year and If you donated their time or offered their time to the WSS. If you offered your time and we were unable to use your services, we really appreciate the gesture and would love to have your help next year (you know who you arel).
With your help, we brought in over $1,200. The biggest item sold was the fancy tank with the rock wall for . $60, followed by the "Presentation have suggestions, we would lo.ve to
hear them. Please send e-malls to: [email protected] with the subject of WSS suggestions OR you can tell Heather or any other Board member at a meeting about your suggestion.
One great idea that we plan on implementing next year is to put up a list of who ?won? items and the
price of each item between rounds. That way, you have a feel for which items you've won and whether you got that "special something" before the final checkout.
We're already looking forward to next years White Snake Sale and we hope you had a blast with it!! Thank you everyone!! §
Pitter Patter Of Tiny Reptile Feet (Tuatara) Channel One News, 413103
Thirteen tuatara eggs, all from the same mother, have hatched into healthy offspring at Southland Museum - the first time the museum has enjoyed a 100% hatch rate. The eggs were laid naturally last October and spent more than five months in an incubator before they hatched. The museum is regarded as the world's most successful captive tuatara breeder and the latest youngsters bring its current population to 46. It will be at least 10 years before the sex of each tuatara baby Is known.
Baby Tuatara Photo from Victoria University of Wellington
Herp Digest Volume # 3 # Issue # 32 §
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May 2003 Volume 23 NumberS
Herpetofauna at Cabin, 10-Mile Minnesota
Drago (5 cm) gray tree-frogs (probably Hyla The differences in species richness La ke versicolor), one of which had taken up and apparent density may represent
, residence inside of the 1916 cabin several aspects of ecological change where it appeared on three consecu- in the area. Spring peepers have been tive nights. On the grounds outside the reported to be tolerant of forest fragcabin I observed a small number mentation in Connecticut (Gibbs, (approx. 0.25/m2) of adult (5 cm) 1998), but have been eliminated from
Stephen R. Johnson
What I am calling Drago Cabin wood frogs (Rana sylvatica). In the areas of Minnesota by urbanization is a small log cabin on a 0.25-acre hill- rocks bordering a trail to the cabin's (Oldfield and Moriarty, 1994). The top on the eastem shore of 10-Mile boat dock and in rocks marking the increased reproduction of prairie Lake, Minnesota, about 4 miles north lakeshore, I observed a small number skinks and presence of a young redof the town of Hackensack. This area (approx. 0.10/m2) of adult (10 cm bellied snake indicates that the Drago is near the westem extent of the north- snout-vent length [SVL]) prairie skinks cabin grounds provide adequate prey em mixed conifer hardwood forest. (Eumeces septentrionalis) and only and cover and the presence of a large The main cabin was built in 1916 and one juvenile (7 cm SVL). I observed a number of young wood frogs indicates is presently owned by Esther and Bill single, recently killed juvenile common that one nearby breeding pond was Drago of Marion, Iowa. The cabin has garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sir- still intact at that time. The blue-spotreceived minor modification over the talis) in the roadway leading to the ted salamander surlaced due to the ensuing years and an additional cabin cabin grounds, which also provides rainfall in August. Blue-spotted salawas added in the 1940s. There fore, access to other cabin grounds on the manders may not decline due to frag-this small area has had little distur- eastem shoreline of the lake. mentation but seem to occur in low -bance for about 60 years. density in Maine (Demaynadier and
I visited the cabin grounds Hunter,1998). The hill on which the cabin sits again in August 2001. During this 7-
is margined to the north and south by day observation period rain fell on lowlands which once held wetlands. three consecutive days. I observed The pond on the property to the south dozens (approx. 2.0/m2) 2.5 cm, perof the Drago cabin was in good condi- haps recently metamorphosed, wood tion at least until 2001. A pond on the frogs, but no adults. Prairie skinks property to the north was apparently were also abundant in 2001. I drained in the 1990s and filled with observed approximately ten juveniles cast off cabin fumishings. Much of the and probably five or more adults. No
No opportunity to observe the herpetofauna arose in 2002. But in a one-day visit, I observed the neighbors to the south involved in a massive construction project. I plan to visit the Drago cabin in 2003 to observe any progressive habitat destruction.
remaining lakeshore has been heavily gray tree frogs were observed in 2001. Literature Cited disturbed since the late 1980s and Demaynadier, P. G., and M. L. Hunter, continUing to the present with the con- New sightings for 2001 includ- Jr. 1998. Effects of silvicultural edges struction of large all-weather homes, ed one northem spring peeper on the distribution and abundance of boat and automobile garages, and (Pseudacris crucifer crUCifer), one amphibians in extensive docks. Along the entire east- adult (15 cm) red-bellied snake Maine. Conserv. Bioi. 12(2): 340-352. em shore of 10-Mile Lake the second- (Store ria occipitomaculata) beneath growth forest is highly fragmented. the 1916 cabin's porch and a juvenile Gibbs, J. P. 1998. Distribution of woodThe Drago cabin land has probably (11 cm) among the trailside rocks that land amphibians along a forest fragreceived the least disturbance any- also served as cover for the juvenile mentation gradient. Landscape where on the eastem shore of the prairie skinks. I observed one adult (10 Ecology 13:263-268. lake. cm) blue-spotted salamander
(Ambystoma laterale) on the east side Oldfield, 8., and J. J. Moriarty. 1994. I first observed the herpetofau- of the 1940 cabin beneath the second Amphibians and reptiles native to
na of the Drago cabin grounds in early floor extemal stairs under a small Minnesota. Minneapolis: University of August 1999. That was a dry year in piece of fallen, painted wood. Reports Minnesota Press. north-central Minnesota and no rain from Quentin and Mike Stark and Will fell during the observation period. Drago, who closed the cabin in early Bull. Chicago Herp Soc 38(3):45, 2003 DUring that time I observed three adult October, indicated that blue-spotted §
salamanders inhabit the on-site well. Page 8
The Nc,,,sictter of the Minnesota He1l)ctoiogical Society May 2003 Volume 23 NumberS
Natural Freeze Tolerance In Hatchling Painted Turtles? Comp Biochem Physiol A Mollntegr Physiol2003 Feb; 134(2):233·46 Packard GC, Packard MJ. Deparlment of Biology, Colorado State University, 80523·1878, Forl Collins, CO, USA
Hatchlings of the North American painted turtle (family emydidae: Chrysemys picta) typically spend their first winter of life inside a shallow, subterranean hibernaculum
Painted Turtle (Chrysemys pieta)
(the natal nest) where life-threatening conditions of ice and cold comrnonly occur. Although a popular opinion holds that neonates exploit a tolerance for freezing to survive the rigors of winter, hatchlings are more likely to withstand exposure to ice and cold by avoiding freezing altogether-and to do so without the benefit of an antifreeze. In the interval between hatching by turtles in late summer and the onset of wintery weather in November or December, the integument of the animals becomes highly resistant to the penetration of ice into body compartments from surrounding
soil, and the turtles also purge their bodies of catalysts for the forrnation of ice. These two adjustments, taken together, enable the animals to supercool to temperatures below those that they routinely experience in nature. However, cardiac function in hatchlings is diminished at subzero temperatures, thereby cornpromising the delivery of oxygen to peripheral tissues and eliciting an increase in reliance by those tissues on anaerobic metabolism for the provision of ATP. The result
ing increase in production of lactic acid may disrupt acid/base balance and lead to death even in animals that remain unfrozen. Although an ability to undergo supercooling may be key to survival by
pholobyJohnWhlle overwintering turtles in
northerly populations, a similar capacity to resist inoculation and undergo supercooling characterizes animals from a population near the southern limit of distribution, where winters are relatively benign. Thus, the suite of characters enabling hatchlings to withstand exposure to ice and cold may have been acquired prior to the northward dispersal of the species at the end of the Pleistocene, and the characters may not have originated as adaptations specifically to the challenges of winter. § Herp Digest Vol 3 no 32
Tortoise Grows Out Of Control As Household Pet - Sulcatas End Up Rejected, Abandoned Denise Flaim, San Fransico Chronical
"An elephant in a shell." That's how Lori Green, director of Turtle Homes, a nonprofit rescue and conservation organization on New York's Long Island, describes Geochelone sulcata, also known as the African spurred tortoise. Maturing into the tortoise equivalent of an untrained, unhousebroken Great Dane, sulcatas are one of the biggest crises facing rehabbers and rescuers. "There isn't a day that goes by that we don't have a request to rehome one, " says Green, who also handles rescue and adoptions for the New York Turtle 'and Tortoise Society. "Very, very few people can manage a sulcata permanently. Yet they're sold in almost every pet shop and at all the reptile shows." Also marketed as sultan, sun and African tortoises, or mislabeled as Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoises (a species that looks similar as a hatchling but reaches only a foot long), sulcatas are cute babies and can be purchased for as little as $25. But the tortoises -- which are prolific breeders in captivity -average about 30 inches and 100 pounds when they grow up. And grow they do. "By 5 pounds, they're scraping the baseboards on your house," Green says. "By 10 pounds, they can go through Sheetrock. And by 20 pounds, they can move furniture."
tortoise ..• continued on page 11
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rnlC Newsletter of the Minnesota HCl])Ctological Society May 2003 Volume 23 NumberS
Previously Un-described Cryptic Species Complex Of Asian Box Turtle Discovered In SE Asia Natural Inquire, Bangkok lAP Wire Service] 411103 (editors note: This was submitted to HerpDigest on April 1st. Read at your own risk)
Last winter biologists working in Laos became aware of an apparent sibling species of Asian Box Turtle. In general appearance this turtle looks like the common Asian Box Turtle, Coura amboinensis, though there are minor, but consistent, differences in plastron markings. This discovery resulted in the researchers and their colleagues looking through museum collections, examining turtles in food markets, and visiting sites with Coura amboinensis populations. In all sites and museum collections
examined the undescribed species was discovered, but it always occurred in much lower numbers than the Asian Box Turtle. Coura amboinensis has considerable morphological variation throughout its range, with a number of valid subspecies recognized. The biologists were surprised to discover that this variation was being mimicked by the less common and previously unrecognized species.
DNA analysis showed the mimics to all be one species, and not closely related to Coura amboinensis or any other described species of Coura. Thus, they are not a sibling species as originally believed. Similarities are based on Batisan mimicry, and not on a close genetic relationship.
Page 10
Field observations indicated behavioral patterns similar to Coura amboinensis in all aspects except diet. The new species, not yet formerly named, apparently lives largely off the blood of other turtles. With the mimic's appearance of Coura amboinensis, the most abundant semi-aquatic turtle in SE Asia, the turtles do not even need to stalk their prey. The undescribed turtle takes advantage of mating and other social interactions to conduct surprise attacks on this and other Coura. Single feedings are seldom fatal to the host turtle in that they can usually pull away from the bite and retreat into their shells within a few min
utes. The ability of Coura to close their shells with a hinged plastron has probably evolved as a defense against the parasitic turtles. The mimic also parasitized other species of turtles, and they have been observed to eat leaches that have recently fed. Some Asian leaches can be quite large. Not surprisingly, most rural people in SE Asia were aware of the blood feeding behavior. Technically these turtles are recognized as external parasites.
The feeding of this undescribed Coura is quite specialized. The tongue of these turtles is covered with bony rasp which efficiently cut through the the skin of the host. The paraSite hangs on with its mouth agape. Hooked like beaks on both the upper and lower jaw hold fast and the tongue is scraped repeatedly across the skin of the
host. An anti coagulate is released from lining in the roof of the turtles mouth. Once blood starts to flow the licking motion stops and the tongue relaxes. In the relaxed position the
sides of the tongue curl upwards forming a straw like tube through which the blood flows to the esophagus. Most flow is induced by gravity as the parasite hangs from the host turtle, but some suction pressure apparently is also applied.
Hatchlings and yearlings closely resemble Snail-eating turtles, Malayemys subtrijuga, suggesting that they are more aquatic in early life and are perhaps diverged from a more primitive aquatic Coura prototype.
Coura and other small semiaquatic turtles are not the only host. These turtles have been seen feeding on freshwater turtles and even on large (50 pound) mountain tortoises. In Bohol Island in the Philippines the mimic Coura are known to take blood from nesting marine turtles. The mimics wait till the sea turtles have completed nest construction and begin laying eggs. The parasitic turtles then attach themselves to the trailing edge of the seaturtles' fore limbs and drink. Occasionally as many as 15 adult Coura can be seen feeding off one female seaturtle. Seaturtles returning to the ocean often have several Coura still attached but they drop off prior to reaching the salt water.
These blood sucking turtles are in turn host to a formerly unknown blood parasite. The parasite alternates generations between a relatively harmless adult stage and an active larval stage. The larval stage consumes red blood cells and not only weakens the host but it makes them more vulnerable in their lethargic state to be parasitized again and again by the cryptic species. This strategy works in populations where both the para-
The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society May 2003 Volume 23 NumberS
sitic turtle and its host have relatively limited home ranges. Chemical defenses in the cryptic species, which are absent in other turtles, prevent establishment of the larval blood parasite, or perhaps trigger it to go into its harmless adult form. The biologists are currently looking
for other cryptic species that closely mimic other Coura species and perhaps even turtles in other genera. Zoo curators and turtle hobbyist are now understanding the high, previously unexplained, mortality rate in their ASian turtle collections. All people who keep captive turtles should watch their animals closely to make sure that they do not have vampire turtles in their collections. Remember they are not dangerous to people, although health officials warn that they are likely to carry salmonella. These turtles need to be housed separately and in time they can be trained to drink reptile blood from a shallow dish. Captive pythons, monitor lizards, iguanas, corocodillians, and giant tortoises are all a good source of blood. Small amounts of blood can be safely and humanely extracted from these creatures on a daily basis. On green iguanas it may be easier to just cut off their heads.
While these cryptic turtles are rare they are not considered to be a real conservation concem. In many portions of their range they are protected by national laws and regulations. All Coura are protected by international CITES regulations and listed as CITES Appendix II. Thus, both the undescribed species and the various host turtles are fully protected. §
..... tortoise continued from page 9 Then there is the reality of sulcata scatology. "Remember the scene in
In their native sub-Saharan Africa, the first 'Jurassic Park,' when Laura sulcatas eat only during the three- Dern put her hand in a pile of month rainy season, when they Triceratops dung?" Salzberg says. graze on native grasses, and they "Sulcata dung is comparable." escape the relentless heat by Sulcatas can live outdoors yearsnoozing in gigantic tunnels they've round in hot-weather states with excavated. minimal rainfall, such as Arizona. Overfeeding a sulcata can quadru- But even in those arid climes, they
pie its growth rate, and nutritional need shelter and a heat source at imbalances can contribute to "pyra- night. And the tortoises still are not miding," in which the shell grows companions in the general sense of lumpy, looking like a miniature the word. mountain range. "They are the African version of a
The sulcata's strong burrowing gopher tortoise, and nobody has a instinct translates into ripped floor- gopher tortoise as a pet," Salzberg ing, shredded carpets and potholed says. "They have it as a guest. It backyards. Green recalls the couple comes up every once in a while and who spent $25,000 to drill and says hello, but it's tunneling and repair the foundation of their home winds up in your neighbor's yard." when their two 25- pound sulcatas Indeed, as sulcatas rapidly become tunneled under it and wouldn't throwaways, turtle rescuers are resurface. overwhelmed with the task of trying "As hatchlings, they're incredibly to find suitable homes. cute," says Allen Salzberg, editor Shipping them south is one solution, and publisher of HerpDigest, a free but an ecologically dicey one, as no electronic newsletter on reptile and one can predict how sulcatas might amphibian conservation. affect indigenous animal popula"But no one tells you how big they tions. And unhappy owners who get -- that eventually it's like having decide to stick it out are in for a long a 19-inch-screen television walking wait. around your house. I've seen one "This is a tortoise that will live 150 go eyeball-to-eyeball with a German years," says Green, who offers a shepherd -- and the German shep- "Sulcata Reality Check" page at her herd blinked first." Web site, www.turtlehomes.org. "So Want to go the "Born Free" route be prepared to will them to your
and just release your sulcata into grandchildren -- maybe even greatthe "wild"? Think again. Sulcatas grandchildren."§ cannot survive in cold climates and must spend the winters indoors. HerpOigest Vol 3 No 30 Because of their formidable size and strength, sulcatas need a room devoted to them; ideally, the tem-perature should be kept between 72 and 75 degrees, with access to a warmer zone of 85 degrees.
Page 11
Page 12
The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society May 2003
'Plan Now to Attendl
The TENTH Annual Conference
ASSOCIATION OF REPTILIAN AND AMPIDBIAN
VETERINARIANS October 5-9, 2003
Minneapolis, Minnesota Hyatt Regency Hotel
Hosted by the Minnesota Zoological Garden
in conjunction with
The AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOO VETERINARIANS
Scientific Program
Get the latesfinjimnallon on: Basic Herpetological Veterlnruy Care
Thempeutics and Diagncstlcs Case Reports
Virology Updates Chelonian Medicine and Surgery
Lizard Medicine and SurgeI)' Snake Medlclnealld SurgeI)'
Wet Labs and Workshops Get hands on experience In:
Surgery,EOuicsoopy Basic Clinical Tecbniques
Vellonlous SnakeTecbniques Others to w annoUnced .
. SpecllIl FOciJs ()roUPs Behlnd-thC'~neS tour ofMlimeali9!iSZoological Gllr<len .
ProgramCbair Rich.ard S. Funk,MA, DVM Mesa VetennaryllQspita\
858 N, Country Club Dr., Mesa, AZ 85201 . 480/83317330
Fax 480/833-0124 Email: azfunksra;ao1.com
Mark Your Calendar Now
Volume 23
Authors' Guidelines To Be A-nnounced In Upcoming Issues Submission deadline for propo~ed titles Marcb 1. 2003
Snbmission deadline for approved manuscripts May 1, 2003
NumberS
The Newsletter of the Minnesota Hcq)ctological Society
English Spot Dutch
Jim's Rabbit Shack "\IVhere Spots Are Tops"
JIM DALUGE (763) 295·2818
8700 Jaber Ave. NE Monticello. MN 55362
Only $5 Per Month ...... $55 Per Year
May 2003 Volume 23
Minnesota Herpetological Society Treasurer's Report Prepared by Marilyn Brooks Blasus, Treasurer
For the Month Ending March 31, 2003
Income: Membership Sales (net) Donations Raffle Misc.
Total Income:
Expense: Newsletter Printing and Postage Other Printing and Postage Program Conservation I Donation Supplies and Refreshments Misc.
Total Expense:
Net Gain I (Loss):
$ 340.00 $ 806.27 $ 224.43 $ 0.00 $1171.00 $2541.70
$540.00 $14.84
$0.00 $100.00
$43.37 $1110.96 $1809.17
($732.53)
• Reptiles' Amphibians-Invertebrates -Small Mammals' Fbh' Complele line of Cages, Food, Books & Supplies for ALL Animals
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(651) 647·4479 www.twincHlesreptlles.com
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Page 13
TIle NcwsleUer of the Minnesota HCl])ctological Society May 2003 Volumc 23 Number 5
Classified Advertisements Crassrtled ads are free to the membership. Deadline Is the night of the general meeting for Inclusion In the next newsletter. 1.0.0 :=: male, 0.1.0 = female, 0.0.1 :;:: unsexed, cb :;:: caplive bred, obo :;:: or best offer, + :;:: Urnes run ( ads are run 3 times unless specifically requested to continue).
For Sale
For Sale: Two female orange-glow bearded dragon I got from Weis Reptiles at the Day tone Show. Saved $300 because the tips of their tails are missing. $45010BO for both or trade for Corn snakes. Marty at mncorn-snakman@aoLcom +
For Sale: Dart frogs. 3 yellow galacts, 3 oyopok tincts, 1 leucomelas. Mark Hauge, 320-202-971 or [email protected] +
Frozen Rabbits - all sizes. Prices very reasonable - pinkies to adults. Jim Daluge 763.295.2818
Flightless Fruitflies - Excellent food for dart frogs, mantellas, hatchling geckos, baby chameleons, spiderlings, and other small herps. Two species available: Drosophila meianogaster (small) and Drosophila hydei (large). $5/culture or $25/6 cultures. Each culture contains 30 to 50 adult flies and has potential to produce several hundred young. Also, Mealworms, two sizes available -regular and mini. $5/1000. Can be delivered to MHS meetings. Call Tony Gamble 612-747-6682 or email tgam[email protected] +++
Page 14
For Sale: Aquariums w/screen tops: (2) 20 gal tall, $10 ea.; (2) 27 gal hex, $30 ea.; 25 gal tall, $15; 1.0.0 Gian Day Gecko $10 OBO; 0.0.2 Gold Bell Frogs (Lito ria aurea) $10 OBO; 1.0.0 White-lipped treefrag (Lito ria infrafenata) $10 OBO; 1.0.0 Fire belly toad $5 OBO. Call Sara at (952) 949-6690 or [email protected] +
Wanted Wanted: All the shed snake skins in the world. Needed for giveaways to kids at educational programs. Call Bob Duerr 651-489-5087
MBSRODENTS
QUAUTY
TRATYou
.~!.v.tt MBS RODENTS •••••• ASK FOR THEM By NAME!
$7/dz Pinkies $9/dz Fuzzies $7/dz Fuzzjes !l!15Ldz Hoppers !l!8/dz SmAdYlt !l!18/dz Adults !l!10/dz Med AdYlt !l!24Ldz
LgAdYlt !l!30Ldz Jumbo !l!36/dz
For pick-up at monthly meetings only. Orders Must be placed at least one week in advance of date of meeting at which the frozen rodents are to be delivered. Place orders with Jody Holmstrom at 651.224.7212 or [email protected]
•
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1JD,j,\@1.§ ,j,\@.
$11 ® ~f§1ru [i\j]@IMIl'W $111I® ~f§1ru Wf§£Im"
'12th month is free on a one year commitment
MHSAD RATES Business card
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$5/Month $55!Year* $10/Month $110!Year* $20/Month $220!Year* $40/Month $440!Year*
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Classified Ads: All active members are allowed a classified ad, run free of charge as space permits. Ads may be ran three consecutive months, after which time they may be resubmitted. Corresponding members are allowed a complimentary business card adverUsement monthly as space permits. Due to federal restrictions on Non-profit mailIng permits, we are not allowed to run ads for travel, crecfrl or Insurance agencies..
Submissions: All advertisements should be submitted to the MHS Editor, Bell * Note: 12th month is free on a one year commitment Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Deadline
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THE NEWSLETTER OF THE
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JUNB 2005 VQLUMB 25 NUMBBR 6