HerpDigest.org: The Only Free Weekly Electronic Newsletter That Reports on The Latest News on Herpetological Conservation, Husbandry and Science
Volume # 9 Issue #54 12/6/09
Publisher/Editor- Allen Salzberg
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2010 FULL COLOR TURTLE CALENDAR $13.99 Plus $6.00 S&H- (Few Left not re-ordering)
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"TURTLES: THE ANIMAL ANSWER GUIDE." By Whit Gibbons and Judy Greene
of the Savannah River Ecology Lab. © 2009 176 pages, 35 color photos, 64 halftones, Paperback., 7" x 11"-$24.95 PLUS $6.00 S&H (Limited number of autographed copies left)
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Table of Contents
1) Japanese zoo donates 6 giant salamanders to Smithsonian
2) The Londonist, 12/5/09
3) Strafford Man Fined For Selling Protected Turtles
4) Florida Python Hunts To Be A Year-Round Effort
5) Popular Herbicide (Atrazine) Affects Sexual Development in Frogs, Research Finds
6) New N.C. Laws on Reptiles
7) As Sales Vanish, Skins Stay on Alligators (Alligator Farming Business Crashes)
8) Can Murals Save Turtles?
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"THE FROGS AND TOADS OF NORTH AMERICA" is an amazing book.
It contains:
A CD of all 101 species found in US & Canada./Almost 400 great color photos
101 color location maps /In just 344 pages.
Books this comprehensive usually go for at least $50.00.to &75.00. Or just $19.95 for the
CD. But the publisher is offering it JUST FOR $19.95 Plus 7.50 S&H.(See below on how to order)
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1) Japanese zoo donates 6 giant salamanders to Smithsonian
HIROSHIMA - 12/5/09
Six rare and highly protected Japanese giant salamanders bred and raised at the Asa Zoological Park in Hiroshima City will be sent Monday to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, officials of the two zoos said Friday.
The huge amphibians-two 19-year-old females and four 11-year-olds comprising two of each sex-were all born at Asa, the only zoo in the world where the species has been successfully bred on a regular basis.
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2) The Londonist, 12/5/09
The Saturday Strangeness (excerpt - editor, Interesting, to show how clean the Thames is they mention two ialien species - turtle has to be a snnaper. (Chelydra)
The River Thames was once so polluted that it harboured little life. Now, the river is said to be so clean that many species of creature are said to lurk in its depths. Over the years reports of whales have made national news. Seahorses have also found their way to the waterway, whilst on rare occasions leather-back turtles and walking cat-fish have also been discovered. Certainly the last big fish to have been caught in the Thames were the sturgeon and more recently a Wels catfish, but there is one obscure rumour that a shark was once caught!
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3) Strafford Man Fined For Selling Protected Turtles
Wednesday, December 2, 2009 4:
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Springfield News-Leader) - A Strafford turtle breeder has been fined $5,000 for selling a protected Missouri turtle species to Japan.
Prosecutors say 51-year-old John F. Richards is the owner of Loggerhead Acres Turtle Farm. He was sentenced Monday in U.S. District Court in Springfield for unlawful exportation of protected turtles.
In 2004, federal and state investigators found Richards was commercially raising Missouri native species such as Mississippi map turtles, Ouachita map turtles, river cooters and alligator snapping turtles.
Richards was indicted by a federal grand jury in 2008 on four counts of violating the Lacey Act, a federal wildlife protection law. He pleaded guilty in May.
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4) Florida Python Hunts To Be A Year-Round Effort
December 4, 2009, Los Angles Times
Florida wildlife officials have announced that the state-sanctioned hunting of Burmese pythons will be resumed in January and will be a year-round effort.
The four-month pilot hunting program ended in October, with 39 of the invasive species captured.
Snake owners who released pythons when they became too large to manage are believed largely responsible for this troubling phenomenon. The snakes, which are reproducing in the wild, have become a threat to native wildlife.
"We were able to collect some initial data during the first phase of this program that will help us determine the extent of the population on state-managed land," Scott Hardin, exotic species coordinator for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said in a news release.
Applications are required and only qualified applicants will be approved. Florida residency is a must, as is possessing a reptile-of-concern permit plus experience in capturing and handling the snakes and knowledge of euthanizing reptiles.
The constrictors can measure 18 feet long and weigh 160 pounds, and wildlife officials say they could number in the tens of thousands in the South Florida region -- mostly in the Everglades.
"We want to continue allowing experts out there to ensure this exotic species does not spread any farther north in Florida," added Hardin.
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5) Popular Herbicide (Atrazine) Affects Sexual Development in Frogs, Research Finds
ScienceDaily (Dec. 5, 2009) - The controversy surrounding the unintended effects of herbicide and pesticide use has intensified as researchers from the University of Ottawa's Department of Biology have identified that atrazine, a heavily-used herbicide, alters the sexual development in frogs.
There have been numerous scientific and journalistic reports on the detrimental effects of herbicides, including atrazine, yet investigations by other research teams report no adverse effects of the popular herbicide.
In an attempt to help resolve differences between the various reports, Dr. Vance Trudeau and his team at the University of Ottawa's Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics developed a system to evaluate the effects of a commercial formulation of atrazine. Specifically, PhD student Valérie Langlois applied it to outdoor tanks where tadpoles of leopard frogs were kept for an entire spring and summer. Under these semi-natural conditions in mesocosms, the levels of atrazine were low and comparable to those measured in the Canadian environment.
At the end of the summer, the results showed that atrazine levels in the tanks were at levels within currently acceptable guidelines. However, researchers also found that the herbicide reduced the number of tadpoles reaching the froglet stage. Also noteworthy was that atrazine had a feminizing effect on the animal, resulting in sex ratios favouring females, with a reduced number of males.
This study, recently available online in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, raises important questions about the level of atrazine in the environment, and its negative effects on animal development.
Atrazine is one of the top selling herbicides used worldwide and was designed to inhibit weed growth in cornfields. It is so widely used that it can be detected in many rivers, streams and in some water supplies. This has raised the alarm on the possibility of other serious detrimental environmental effects.
Adapted from materials provided by University of Ottawa.
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6) New N.C. Laws on Reptiles
by Gary D. Robertson, AP 12/1/09
RALEIGH - People who own crocodiles, venomous snakes and large pythons in North Carolina must secure them in containers and face prosecution if the reptiles gravely attack a friend or stranger in legislation that takes effect Tuesday in North Carolina.
The minimum safety requirements for keeping dangerous reptiles are designed to update an abridged 60-year-old reptile law, said Andrew Wyatt of Coinjock, president of the United States Association of Reptile Keepers. Increasing numbers of people now own these reptiles as a pet or for business who aren't linked to zoos or museums.
"People that want to work with these type of animals are going to have to meet best industry management practices," said Wyatt, who helped draft the state legislation sponsored by Sen. Ed Jones, D-Halifax. "They're going to have to step up to the plate to make sure that all the proper protocols are adhered to."
Private owners now will have to store or transport venomous reptiles, large constricting snakes and nonnative crocodilians in "escape-proof" and "bite-proof" enclosures with a working lock. The enclosures must be labeled to include emergency contact information and what should happen if the reptile bites someone or escapes.
Someone who intentionally or negligently handles these reptiles in an unsafe manner could be charged with a misdemeanor. The owner could face up to 150 days in jail if someone besides a family member or employee suffers a life-threatening injury or dies as a result. A current owner who doesn't want to follow the new rules also could face a similar punishment if the person releases a nonnative reptile into the wild, instead of finding a new owner.
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7) As Sales Vanish, Skins Stay on Alligators (Alligator Farming Business Crashes)
RACELAND, La.11/30/09 by Campbell Robertson, New York Times
After five years, Tommy Fletcher and his alligator farming business are facing irreconcilable differences.
"It's like a marriage," he said. "It was a bumpy road, and then all of a sudden it was over."
The alligator industry makes for an odd mix of hardy men on the bayou who smoke Camels and drive crumbling pickup trucks, and Paris and New York fashion setters who consider it reasonable to spend $12,000 on an alligator-strap watch.
This peculiar relationship worked well enough for decades, but it has soured as of late. Last year Louisiana farmers, who produce most of the world's alligator skins, collected over 500,000 eggs from the wild. This year, for the first time, most farmers did not pick up any.
The economy is the lead culprit. Since the fall of 2008, even wealthy customers have begun balking at the price of alligator skin products, which can range from the expensive to the wildly expensive. Bumper crops in previous years, people in the industry say, left an oversupply just as the luxury market began to falter.
But some farmers insist that the newfound frugality of the Gucci set cannot by itself explain the absolute washout of the alligator business. More than a few are beginning to blame the practices of executives in the European fashion business.
"How can this industry fall out so quickly?" Stephen Bonnecarrere asked while tossing live alligators into bins at his father-in-law's farm outside Houma. "It happened too fast."
Since the 1980s, the State Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has worked with farmers to maintain the state's alligator population, estimated at one million to two million.
Alligator farming is hard, messy, costly work, and the lifestyle could not be further from that of the eventual Bergdorf Goodman shopper browsing for a pair of alligator skin loafers. Farmers, often in father-son teams, mark alligator nesting sites from helicopters, then go into the swamps by boat to gather the eggs, fending off mama gators with a pole. (By law, 12 percent of the grown alligators are returned to the wild.)
The landowners are paid for the eggs, and it is expensive to raise an alligator once hatched. The big ones - those that could end up as lavender handbags - tend to bite one another, making the skins worthless. So roughly 9 of 10 alligators reach their demise when they are only about four feet long.
Stolid men wade into shallow tanks and pull the alligators out by hand. Biting happens. After the gators are killed with a stab to the brain, they are skinned and sorted: heads and claws for the French Quarter souvenir shops, meat for the Cajun restaurants, guts for turtles, dogs or anything else whose tastes run that way.
For decades, the skins would be sold to 10 or 15 independent, often family-owned tanneries around the world that specialized in reptile skin, or so-called exotics. The prices were generally good, even generous. Some farmers, the ones that ran big operations, made millions of dollars.
The tanneries in turn would sell to the high-end fashion houses like Cartier, Hermès and Gucci, and from there the alligator would end up wrapped around someone's wrist.
But things changed. In the mid 1990s, Hermès began buying tanneries and, as of a couple of years ago, became the largest player in the exotic tannery business.
Hermès bought aggressively from the farmers, and is still buying, though recently at prices far lower than in the past and lower even than the price of raising an alligator. All of this could be attributed to a very bad market. Luxury watch sales, on which the farmers are hugely dependent, are off by as much as 25 percent. But farmers look at the situation and say something does not add up.
While the tanneries are offering farmers little for their raw product, citing the recession, fashion houses are complaining about the astronomical prices for tanned hides. Many labels are giving up and moving away from alligator altogether, and well-known luxury brands like Manolo Blahnik say it is increasingly difficult to make a profit on such an expensive product.
"Every time I go to Neiman Marcus and say every year the price is going up, they fight me tooth and nail," said George D. Malkemus III, the president of Manolo Blahnik. "They say, 'I'm not going to spend $4,000 for an alligator shoe.' "
If alligator is still popular but is simply unaffordable, asked Zachary Casey, who until three years ago owned one of the largest farms in the state, why are thousands of the reptiles sitting unwanted in Louisiana? And why have prices for the raw product dropped so low? He says Hermès is hoarding the skins, forcing other fashion houses to pay dearly and leaving the farmers with few other options.
Caroline Schwartz-Mailhe, a spokeswoman for Hermès, said in an e-mail message that the company bought only about a third of the skins produced in Florida, Georgia and Louisiana, far from a monopoly. Ms. Schwartz-Mailhe added that the continued aggressive buying from farmers was a way "to support them in these difficult times and to respond to Hermès' increasing development in alligator skins."
Recent signs suggest that the luxury market is rebounding, at least somewhat. But some of the smaller farms simply will not make it.
Mr. Fletcher has been losing $15,000 a month on his little farm off the highway here near Raceland, about 50 miles southwest of New Orleans. He found a python and a loggerhead turtle and is considering opening a roadside zoo for tourists. But the plan of making it big in alligators, which once seemed like a good idea, has left him heavily in debt.
"I guess it's like being married to Miss America," Mr. Fletcher said. "You get all the benefits of the hugs and kisses, but she's mighty high maintenance."
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8) Can Murals Save Turtles?
12/1/09 -From The School for Field Studies http://bit.ly/8c3Un6
Murals depicting marine life can be found in most towns on the Baja
peninsula in Mexico - on restaurant walls, the façades of schools, or the
sides of gas stations. What were once drab, white block walls now feature
large illustrations of endangered sea turtles in a variety of scenes: a
grinning anthropomorphic turtle recycling a bag of plastics, a bale of
turtles feeding on shrimp; a group of citizens releasing "Adelita," a famed
local equipped with a transmitter to track her migration. In nearby
Magdalena Bay, their real-life counterparts slice and row through the waters
of their breeding ground with large teardrop shaped shells, rubbery
flippers, and little, blunt heads. These endangered turtles are the flagship
species of conservation in Baja and murals act as tools of a larger movement
to protect marine flora and fauna.
How does a college student with a combined major in art history and
environmental studies make use of this phenomenon? Alyssa Irizarry, a senior
at Tufts University, used hers to create an award winning research project
while studying in Baja, Mexico last spring with The School for Field Studies
(SFS). Her pioneering project Imaging Conservation: Sea Turtle Murals and
their Affect on Communities' Environmental Consciousness and Behaviors in
Baja California Sur, Mexico, which won her the School's Distinguished
Student Researcher Award, not only broke ground in academic circles but also
reinforced the mission of this conservation movement in Mexico.
Irizarry set out to discover just how much of an impact these murals make on
local awareness, opinions, and actions in regard to conservation. Her
project contributed to a component of the SFS Center for Coastal Studies'
Five Year Research Plan, which investigates the outcomes of the sea turtle
conservation movement in Baja California Sur. Under the direction of SFS
professor A.J. Schneller, she sought to better understand how this medium
works as an effective means of developing local awareness of an
environmental issue, which could in turn incite community behavior change.
Complementary to the School's scientific methods, her work posed the
question, "Can the artist as well as the scientist make a contribution to
toward developing this environmental ethic?"
Public murals throughout Mexico's history have not always been utilized as a
tool for environmental conservation. Nor have they always been designed to
be purely aesthetic. In her paper Irizarry outlined a history of public art
in Mexico as a platform for protest and social commentary. Jose Guadalupe
Posada, whose early 20th century prints, often depicting skeletons living
the high life with fancy hats and drinks in hand, not only mocked bourgeois
attitudes in a time of social strife but also conveyed ideas that were both
accessible and easy to understand by the general public. Irizarry cites
McCaughan (2000) who said that public art can be a "function of democracy
inspiring public debate and a sense of entitlement among broad sectors of
the population." She argues that sea turtle murals can be used as a powerful
tool to transmit conservation ideals as well as bring together a community
that may be conflicted.
Indeed, the sea turtle has acted as an icon of conflicting cultural values
throughout Baja's recent history according to Irizarry. Since Spanish
colonization, sea turtle meat has been heralded as an important food item
which continues to present day. Beginning in the mid 1900s, they were
commercially harvested in Baja for trade in the international market.
Overexploitation caused the collapse of turtle populations in the 1980s.
Despite a federal ban in the 1990s on the extraction, capture, and pursuit
of all sea turtle species, their consumption remains an important cultural
tradition in many communities. Furthermore, economic activity of Baja
depends on marine resources and fishing, in spite of decreasing productivity
and overexploitation. Irizarry's survey responses, however, show a trend
that indicates a shift away from the consumption of sea turtles and the
"increase in the desire to care for them." Sea turtles are becoming an icon
of preservation rather than nutrition.
The seeds of preservation were initially planted in community consciousness
with the formation of Grupo Tortuguero in 1999, a marine conservation
organization with the goal of enhancing public cooperation and participation
through a community-based, grassroots model. The group is made up of
concerned fisherman, scientists, and NGO representatives from acrossNorth
America. Grupo Tortuguero has received international attention and has led
to the formation of other community groups around Mexico, all encouraging
civic engagement in the protection of Baja's marine resources. The sea
turtle, their flagship species, is used as a visible community icon of their
message in various creative outlets including murals, comic books, videos,
and posters.
All of Irizarry's surveys results from town showed that exposure to sea
turtle murals are especially effective in developing pro-environmental
consciousness and possible action. As Irizarry states in her paper, "It is
unknown whether or not the actions are realized, but sea turtle murals can
provide the motivation for community discussion and participation in turtle
conservation." Students and adults alike responded that their behaviors were
affected beyond the initial attraction to the mural's aesthetic qualities. A
substantial number of students reported that sea turtle murals were a strong
reminder to the plight of the species. Irizarry attributes this to existing
knowledge on sea turtles arising from exposure to environmental education in
schools and suggests that viewing the murals reinforces the message.
Irizarry's research project provides both a fresh contribution to academia
of art history and environmental studies and a rural Mexican community with
meaningful information. In discussing a future career she says, "Ideally, I
would love to do environmental education with children or young adults using
art. I think encouraging an environmental ethic at a young age is critical
if we want an environmentally conscious future generation, which we
undoubtedly need. Art can be a way to get students to think outside of the
box, see the environment from a different perspective, and build
appreciation for it."
What does a college student with an award winning project on murals and sea
turtle conservation under her belt do next? After graduation from Tufts,
Irizarry hopes to intern at the SFS Center for Coastal Studies in Baja where
she will continue her mural research in secondary schools.
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Still available:
2010 FULL COLOR TURTLE CALENDAR $13.99 Plus $6.00 S&H
THE COMPLETE NORTH AMERICAN BOX TURTLE
Carl J. Franklin, and David C. Killpack with foreword by C. Kenneth Dodd (who wrote the now classic "Natural History of North American Box Turtles"
Just published. 260 Pages Over 300 full color photos and illustrations.
Hardcover, Eco/Serpent's Tales
Only $49.95 plus $7.50 S&H, lowest price on net
Not even Amazon who are offering it for $59.95.
THE TURTLES OF U.S. & CANADA by Carl Ernst and Jeffrey Lovich, 2009, 840 pp. 240 color photos, 11 line drawings, 52 maps, 8 ½" X 11
Two autographed copies left at list price $95.00
Non-autographed copies on sale for $75.00
($6.00 for S&H sent media mail, delivery confirmation)
THE ECOLOGY, EXPLOITATION AND CONSERVATION OF RIVER TURTLES
by Don Moll and Edward O. Moll. Considered by turtle scientists, and conservationists as one of the best books on turtle conservation. 420 pages; 90 halftones & 3 line illus.; 6-1/8 x 9-1/4; List price $80, now $30.00 plus $7.50 S&H.(3 copies left at this price)
"THE BIOLOGY OF BOAS AND PYTHONS"
Edited by R.W. Henderson and R. Powell
2007,Eagle Mountain Publishing,
448 pages, 30 chapters by 79 authors, over 200 color photographs, maps, figures, and drawings, Table of Contents available, $100.00 PLUS $7.50 For S&H.
LIZARDS OF THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST, (Includes 5 Mexican States) edited by Lawrence Jones and Robert Lovich, 560 pages, Rivo Neuvo Publishers, Tucson, AZ, Over 400 color photos, Covers all 96 species found in the American Southwest. Seventy-Seven experts on these lizards contributed to this book making it the most comprehensive guide to Lizards of the Southwest. An amazing bargain at only $24.95 Plus $7.50 for shipping and handling in the U.S. (autographed copies available) (see below on how to order)
AMPHIBIAN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION: A HANDBOOK OF TECHNIQUES (TECHNIQUES IN ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION) (Paperback) by C. Kenneth Dodd Jr. (Editor) 556 pages, USA, Oxford Univ. Press. Available. $59.95 plus $7.50 S&H LIMITED NUMBER AUTOGRAPHED COPIES, By editor Kenneth Dodd
Table of Contents Available, Chapter one available, free at http://fds.oup.com/www.oup.com/pdf/13/9780199541188_chapter1.pdf
On how to order see below
(IF YOU ARE OVERSEAS -WHICH INCLUDES CANADA AND MEXICO-EMAIL US FIRST FOR SHIPPING COSTS.).
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Showing posts with label herpatology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label herpatology. Show all posts
Monday, 7 December 2009
Friday, 25 September 2009
HerpDigest.org: The Only Free Weekly Electronic Newsletter That Reports on The Latest News on Herpetological Conservation and Science
HerpDigest.org: The Only Free Weekly Electronic Newsletter That Reports on The Latest News on Herpetological Conservation and Science
Volume # 9 Issue #43- 09/25/09
Publisher/Editor- Allen Salzberg __________________________________________________________________
New Book
COMPLETE NORTH AMERICAN BOX TURTLE
Carl J. Franklin, and David C. Killpack with foreword by C. Kenneth Dodd
Just published. 260 Pages Over 300 full color photos and illustrations.
Hardcover, Eco/Serpent's Tales
Only $49.95 plus $7.50 S&H, lowest price on net
Not even Amazon who are offering it for $59.95.
And updated version of classic book on North American box turtles by C. Kenneth Dodd, but with information on husbandry.
To order see below
_______________________________________________________________________
Table of Contents
1) Bronx Zoo Herpetology Department Collections Manager Position
2) House GOPer Seeks Co-Sponsors For Pet Health Care Tax Benefit
3) Snakes Not Shy About Sex
4) Study Examines Use Of Toad Venom In Cancer Treatment
5) Man-Made Turtle Platforms Float At State Parks
6) Why Do People Make Snakes Pets? -Snake Lovers Say Reptiles Not Vicious Nor Violent
7) Too Many Snakes To Catch Them All (As In Released Or Escaped Ex-Pets)
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
8) Conservative Republicans Suddenly Take A Strong Interest In Reptile Conservation, FOX News Wire Service, Washington DC , 9/24/09.
________________________________________________________________________> Also Available
2010 HERP CALENDARS -
EITHER MAKE A DONATION OF $30.00 OR MORE AND GET A COPY OF THE CALENDAR OF YOUR CHOICE AS A THANK YOU GIFT FROM HERPDIGEST.
TURTLES, FROGS, SNAKES AND LIZARDS
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GO TO WWW.HERPARTS.COM (under book and calendars)TO ORDER AND SEE PHOTOS
NEW FULL COLOR FROG, SNAKE AND LIZARD CALENDARS also available...
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The Frog, Snake and Lizard calendars are 18 month calendars starting at 9/09 so you can start using them now. Very limited supply. Imported from UK. Months and Days of Week in 5 languages, Even includes astrological dates.
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1) Bronx Zoo Herpetology Department Collections Manager Position
The Wildlife Conservation Society's Department of Herpetology at the Bronx Zoo invites qualified persons to apply for the Collections Manager position. The Bronx Zoo/Wildlife Conservation Society seeks an enthusiastic professional to join our 110-year-old Department of Herpetology! We are currently seeking a qualified individual with demonstrated interest and expertise in herpetology and management of living collections to become our Collections Manager.
Responsibilities include supervising the daily husbandry, enrichment, training, observation, and record keeping for animals in the collection in addition to assisting in the supervision of the maintenance and construction of exhibits or support services.
Minimum Qualifications: A minimum of five years of work experience in a zoological park or related institution. Preference will be given to candidates with a degree in zoological or biological sciences. Candidate must be motivated and energetic, possess management and strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to accept direction, and must be able to express ideas and work as part of a team for the betterment of the department. Individuals with a broad background in crocodilians, squamates (venomous and non-venomous), turtles, and amphibians will be seriously considered. The successful candidate also must possess a working knowledge of computers and basic programs and a valid driver's license.
Please apply online by October 16th at: https://sh.webhire.com/Public/907/
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2) House GOPer Seeks Co-Sponsors For Pet Health Care Tax Benefit
Sam Stein, 9/23/09, The Huffington Post
Even as his party blocks Democratic attempts to expand health insurance for humans, a Republican congressman is trying to round up support for a bill that would provide a $3,500 annual tax deduction for Americans to pay for the medical care of their pets.
Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.) sent out a "Dear Colleague" letter on Tuesday asking fellow members to co-sponsor his Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) Act, despite the upsurge in concern over the rising cost of health care coverage for actual humans.
"Dear Colleague," the letter reads.
"According to the 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey, 63% of United States households own a pet. Indeed, the human-animal bond has been shown to have a positive effect upon people's emotional and physical well being. In families with children, pets help to create a nurturing environment and provide ample educational opportunities. For people in later stages of life, pets offer important companionship. No matter the age of the owner, pets have been shown to reduce stress, safeguard against depression, improve social skills, and even ease loss.
"In light of this, please join me in becoming a cosponsor to H.R. 3501, the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) Act. If enacted, H.R. 3501 would amend the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to allow an annual tax deduction of up to $3500 for qualified pet care expenses. Specifically, "qualified pet care expenses" would be defined as funds spent in connection with providing care (including veterinary care) for a legally owned, domesticated animal."
McCotter's proposed legislation has, not surprisingly, been praised by pet's rights advocates who say it will help provide proper care for animals and ensure that people suffering from the recession don't abandon their pets.
But considering the political context in which the bill is being pushed, it's hard not to scratch one's head. It has become a mantra within the GOP that health care reform legislation (for humans) being considered by Democrats would drain the government of money at a time when the deficit is already out of control. Moreover, as pointed out by the site, Blogging for Michigan, the congressman's legislation would result in many Americans having a greater financial incentive to provide health care coverage to their pets than to themselves.
The IRS only allows me to deduct medical and dental expenses that exceed more than 7.5% of my adjusted gross income. Here's an example from their website:
'Your adjusted gross income is $40,000, 7.5% of which is $3,000. You paid medical expenses of $2,500. You cannot deduct any of your medical expenses because they are not more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.'
But apparently I could deduct up to $3500 that I spend on my dog!
McCotter has defended the introduction of his legislation by arguing that Congress can, in fact, do more than "one thing at a time." Introduced at the end of July, the bill currently has no cosponsors.
______________________________________________________________________
3) Snakes Not Shy About Sex
by Jannette Parke, 9/21/09 NorthernStar.com. Australia
LOVE is in the air at the Rodwell's farm out Kenilworth way.
Vicki Rodwell of Kenilworth took this amazing photograph of red-bellied snakes, just outside of her house yard.
LOVE is in the air at the Rodwell's farm out Kenilworth way.
Vicki Rodwell says they've had plenty of snakes at their place, but she's never seen anything quite like this display of spring fever.
Two red-bellied blacks were so totally absorbed in their "special cuddle" last Saturday that they took no notice of Vicki or her rottweiler dog.
Vicki captured the image after her dog started barking and growling in a particular way.
"We've had lots of snakes around, mostly browns, but nothing ever like this," she said.
"They were mating right outside the house yard. I thought I've got to get a photo of this and raced up the hill to get my camera and they were still at it when I got back."
The keen photographer said her camera is not usually too far away.
"I'm a camera person; I've always joked that I put on my camera before I put on my undies!"
Just to confirm that it was a mating pair and not two males having a "biffo", The Gympie Times emailed the photo to snake-catcher and herpetologist John Keady.
John confirmed it was a male and female doing what comes naturally this time of year, not two males fighting for mating rights, which can look similar.
"Two fighting males entwine differently and stand up. You can see these two are mating because they're being very gentle, and he's holding her there. The female is on the left and the male is entwined around her."
John urges people to never attempt to catch, corner or kill a snake, as this is when 90 per cent of bites are inflicted.
"These are two beautiful, healthy specimens," John said of the subjects in Vicki's photo.
Photos of snakes at: http://www.northernstar.com.au/story/2009/09/21/snakes-snapped-in-natural-behaviour/
_________________________________________________________________________
4) Study Examines Use Of Toad Venom In Cancer Treatment
September 24th, 2009,Phys.org
Huachansu, a Chinese medicine that comes from the dried venom secreted by the skin glands of toads, has tolerable toxicity levels, even at doses eight times those normally administered, and may slow disease progression in some cancer patients, say researchers from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.
The results from the Phase I clinical study, a collaborative research project between M. D. Anderson and Fudan University Cancer Hospital in Shanghai, are reported in the online Early View feature of the journal Cancer. The study marks the first time a formal clinical trial has examined the relationship between huachansu dose and toxicity, although the drug is common in China and approved by the Chinese Food and Drug Administration.
Huachansu is widely used to treat patients with liver, lung, colon and pancreatic cancer at oncology clinics in China. Chinese clinical trials conducted since the 1970s have demonstrated the anti-cancer properties of huachansu, citing total response rates of 10 percent and 16 percent observed in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and lung cancer, respectively1,2.
"Studying traditional Chinese medicine such as huachansu is new to American research institutions, which have been skeptical and slow to adopt these complementary treatments. However, it is important to understand its potential role in treating cancer," says Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D., one of the paper's authors and director of the Integrative Medicine Program at M. D. Anderson. "We wanted to apply a Western medicine-based approach to explore the role of the toad venom compound in cancer patients and test if it is possible to deliver a more potent dose without raising toxicities or side effects."
The clinical trial was conducted at the Fudan University Cancer Hospital while M. D. Anderson provided training and ongoing consultation. The institutions collaboratively designed the trial that was approved by both institutional review boards. M. D. Anderson and Fudan University Cancer Hospital signed a sister institution agreement in 2003, creating a framework for research, educational and clinical collaboration.
The typical dose of huachansu used in China is approximately 15 milliliters of drug per meter squared of body mass (mL/m2). In the study, 15 patients with stage III or IV hepatocellular (liver) carcinoma, nonsmall cell lung cancer or pancreatic cancer received one of five dose levels ranging from 10 mL/ m2 up to 90 mL/m2 from January 2005 through July 2006. The treatment was repeated daily for 14 days followed by seven days off (one cycle). After two cycles, most patients received other treatments. Quality control methods were put in place to ensure huachansu of a uniform and consistent lot. _____________________________________________________________________
5) Man-Made Turtle Platforms Float At State Parks
Republican Herald.com
by leslie Richardson (staff writer lrichardson@republicanherald.com)
Published: September 21, 2009
BARNESVILLE - People aren't the only ones who like to bask in the sun at area state parks.
Turtle basking habitat platforms were placed in the waters of Locust Lake and Tuscarora state parks last week so the turtles living there have a place to sun themselves.
Ben Page and Mike Swartz, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission habitat managers, Robin Tracey, environmental education specialist at both parks, and several volunteers built and placed the platforms in the water Wednesday.
The turtles will climb onto the platforms to bask in the sun as a means of thermal regulation.
Some turtles, like the painted, slider and diamondback varieties, will leave the water to dry out in the midday sun. They usually cling to vegetation or floating logs or lie on rocks. They use the sun to raise their body temperatures, since they cannot generate heat or regulate their own internal temperatures.
"They will be used mainly by painted turtles. We have a healthy population of them," Tracey said. "They need the platforms since we do not have enough natural structure for them to hang on to."
Four of the hemlock lumber and PVC pipe structures were pulled by canoe into the spillway pond at Locust Lake, while 10 went into the cove and dam areas at Tuscarora.
"They will act like a broad base, just like a floating log," Page said.
Tracey said the parks usually team up with the fish and boat commission each year on a project, sometimes involving fish, other times turtles.
"We put six of these in Tuscarora about 10 years ago, but we haven't seen them since the flood of 2006," Tracey said.
Once saturated, the platforms, anchored in the shallow water by concrete blocks tied with steel cable to the underside, will rise about one inch above the water.
Tracey said the platforms will make it easier for campers and others using the state parks to view the turtles.
"I am hoping for a late Indian summer so the turtles will make use of them before going underground," Tracey said. "They will be great for the kids to see."
Page said the platforms have about a 20-year life span, and similar structures used for pan fish that were placed in the water at Yellow Creek State Park in 1988 still exist.
"I really wanted these," Lew Williams, parks manager, said. "I am all for improving the habitat of our reptilian friends."
Williams said the fish and boat commission bore the cost of the project and similar projects like the fish structures installed last year at Tuscarora. _____________________________________________________________________________
6) Why Do People Make Snakes Pets? -Snake Lovers Say Reptiles Not Vicious Nor Violent
WESH.COM, Orlando, September 22, 2009,
DELTONA, Fla. -- Snake owners say they love reptiles.
The slithery creatures have made local headlines lately after an 18-foot Burmese python was found in the back yard of an Apopka home.
But why do people make the potentially dangerous creatures as pets?
A group of snake owners in Deltona said they just can't get enough of the reptiles.
They're cold-blooded, sometimes poisonous, and depicted as evil, but Ron Doria, a white-collar medical sales director, can't get enough of his snakes.
"They have such a bad rap of being something so vicious and so violent. It's not like that. It's just, it's false," Doria said.
Doria keeps over 40 snakes in his Deltona home. He shares his passion with a friend, Brian Radenberg, who owns over 100 snakes. Radenberg made the news when the city of Deltona tried unsuccessfully last year to force him to get rid of his venomous snakes.
There's also Scott Quint, a software engineer who owns 35 snakes. Why do these men have such a fascination with the animals?
For Quint, it's the science.
"They're beautiful animals. I think, evolutionally speaking, they're one of the most unique animals," Quint said.
For Radenberg, it's the way they feel.
"They just kind of crawl around on you, and I don't know, they're comfortable," Radenberg said.
And for Doria, who owns rattlesnakes, it's the thrill.
"I like the risk, a little bit, of knowing we have something ... control something that doesn't want to be controlled," Doria said.
The men said because they have the proper caging, proper licenses, and the experience to handle snakes, it mitigates any danger. They get frustrated by the negative stereotypes assigned to snake owners.
"There's still a belief that, if you keep snakes, you're somehow different. You're weird or you're not like everybody else, and admittedly, there are plenty of people who can give that appearance, but there also are plenty who do not," Quint said.
While snake owners may love their snakes, do their snakes love them back?
"They won't show affection, of course, like a dog or a cat. They don't have a brain large enough to do that, and everything is basically instinct for a snake," Chaz Hanna said.
Hanna sells snakes. He believes they're popular pets simply because they're fascinating to watch and easy to care for.
For many people, a learned fear of snakes makes the thought of owning one repulsive.
To help ensure the safety of others, both Radenberg and Doria have posted warnings on the entrances to their homes stating that venomous snakes live inside.
That way, if emergency personnel such as firefighters or police ever have to enter, they'll be forewarned. __________________________________________________________________________
7) Too Many Snakes To Catch Them All (As In Released Or Escaped Ex-Pets)
Monday, 21 Sep 2009, foxtampabay.com
DURANT - A giant snake is on the loose in eastern Hillsborough County, but wildlife officials say they are not going after it.
They say so many people have dumped pet snakes, they don't have the resources to go after them all.
Carol St. Pierre discovered the 10-foot boa constrictor next her to home in Durant.
"We're seen snakes out here, but that was the biggest one I have ever seen," she said. "I think it's in the woods across the street," St. Pierre said.
Even though it has been a while since she saw the snake, she says she is still shaken up. News reports about potentially dangerous Burmese pythons showing up in the Tampa Bay area have made her feel even more uncomfortable about her close encounter with the scaly beast.
St. Pierre was walking across her yard, and thought she saw a pile of dirt. Then it hit her. The pile of dirt was alive, reptilian, and very big. As she ran into to her house the snake began slithering away. But before it disappeared into the dense underbrush, she snapped half a dozen photos of it.
After seeing the pictures, wildlife officials say it is a common boa, a pet that escaped, or was dumped.
Officials say they are usually not a threat to people, but pets can be another story.
"The main staple of their diet is small mammals," said Breanne Stripina with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. "So any small mammals would be venerable, that would include small pets like dogs and cats."
Even though boas generally don't look for trouble, just knowing that the snake might come back gives St. Pierre the willies. Her husbandsays he isn't even fazed at all.
"If you don't go playing around with them, they usually leave you alone," he said.
If you have a snake , or other exotic pet you don't want any more, you can hand it over to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission during one of its amnesty days -- no questions asked.
They are held at different locations around the state several times a year.
For a list of dates and locations: http://www.myfwc.com/WILDLIFEHABITATS/Nonnative_AmnestyDayEvents.htm
A giant snake is on the loose in eastern Hillsborough County, but wildlife officials say they are not going after it.
They say so many people have dumped pet snakes, they don't have the resources to go after them all.
Carol St. Pierre discovered the 10-foot boa constrictor next her to home in Durant.
"We're seen snakes out here, but that was the biggest one I have ever seen," she said. "I think it's in the woods across the street," St. Pierre said.
Even though it has been a while since she saw the snake, she says she is still shaken up. News reports about potentially dangerous Burmese pythons showing up in the Tampa Bay area have made her feel even more uncomfortable about her close encounter with the scaly beast.
St. Pierre was walking across her yard, and thought she saw a pile of dirt. Then it hit her. The pile of dirt was alive, reptilian, and very big. As she ran into to her house the snake began slithering away. But before it disappeared into the dense underbrush, she snapped half a dozen photos of it.
After seeing the pictures, wildlife officials say it is a common boa, a pet that escaped, or was dumped.
Officials say they are usually not a threat to people, but pets can be another story.
"The main staple of their diet is small mammals," said Breanne Stripina with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. "So any small mammals would be venerable, that would include small pets like dogs and cats."
Even though boas generally don't look for trouble, just knowing that the snake might come back gives St. Pierre the willies. Her husband says he isn't even fazed at all.
"If you don't go playing around with them, they usually leave you alone," he said.
If you have a snake , or other exotic pet you don't want any more, you can hand it over to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission during one of its amnesty days -- no questions asked.
They are held at different locations around the state several times a year.
For a list of dates and locations: http://www.myfwc.com/WILDLIFEHABITATS/Nonnative_AmnestyDayEvents.htm _______________________________________________________________________
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
8) Conservative Republicans Suddenly Take A Strong Interest In Reptile Conservation.
FOX News Wire Service, Washington DC , 9/24/09.
For the last several weeks the aids of several prominent Republican Senators have been preparing a number of position papers on the positive effects of climate change for the upcoming G-20 summit. This one, the first to be released, only concerns sea turtles, but it gives us a preview of what is to come. These will be regarded as landmark documents in that they are the first attempt by the Republican leadership to show any interest at all in our nation's conservation concerns. A spokesperson for the Senators said this is just one of a number of up coming attempts by the Republicans to work with the Senate majority on topics they know will have the full support of Congress and the current administration. One key Democrat brushed this off as nonsense and saying that the Republicans were simply trying to divert attention away from the negative press they are now getting regarding their stand on health reform.
"In order to expand the Bush administration's effort to make people aware of the benefits of global warming we thought it might be informative to show how it will also benefit many species of wildlife, in this case marine turtles. Currently there is some misinformation going about that global warming is detrimental to sea turtles. Irrational fears, unfounded rumors and hysterical exaggerations set forth by various so-called environmental groups have no place in conservation. Its time to address this and to start thinking positive," the aids announced to a gathering of reporters at one of the Capital's local nightspots. A number of recognized national conservation organizations have already applauded today's announcement. Most sea turtles have remained on the Endangered Species Lists for decades, so it is important to recognize that they are now getting some long overdue help from a quite unexpected source." If we can't do away with the ESA then by God we have the power to fix it so these species are no longer endangered," one outspoken aid was overheard to say to a local TV reporter.
Ten reasons why Global Warming will be important to sea turtle conservation:
1) As primarily tropical and sub tropical species sea turtles will be able to expand marine forging areas as ocean temperatures increase. Changing oceanic currents and shifting frontal boundaries will allow all species to explore new warm water areas in their quest for food and nesting sites.
2) Rising sea levels will eliminate many of their lower elevation nesting sites, forcing the turtles to nest in fewer places, thus, making it easier to track and protect ALL remaining nesting rookeries.
3) Increased cyclone activity will displace all ages of marine turtles, often bringing them near shore, or even on shore where they can be seen, enjoyed and brought back to health by concerned people. The increased levels of awareness will help with regional conservation efforts for all species. A number of species will become less common making them more desirable must-see targets for amateur naturalists, this in turn will have a positive economic impact on coastal ecotourism as well as awareness for their conservation needs.
4) Melting of polar ice will increase the total volume of the world's seas diluting standing pollution loads to more acceptable levels.
5) Longer nesting seasons for sea turtles nesting on temperate beaches will increase egg production as turtles can produce additional clutches. Emerging hatchlings will no longer need to negotiate cool inshore waters in the fall.
6)Reduced need for migration, and less time spent on hostile "wintering" grounds will eliminate an important stress factor for nearly all species. Additionally, the hatchlings will not be required to travel as far to get back to the sea. Adults will not need to swim or crawl as far to nesting sites, there by not needing to store all those layers of body fat. Obesity is believed to be one of the major mortality factors for marine turtles. Trimmer turtles will he more efficient in their marine foraging.
7) Warmer ambient temperatures of nesting beaches will produce more female sea turtles per nest because of sex determination by incubation temperatures. Additional females in the population will quickly increase global stocks.
8) Competition with fisheries, and by catch issues will all but be eliminated as most coastal-based fishing centers will be underwater, commercial fishing activity will become a thing of the past.
9) Ghost crabs, coastal populations of raccoons and foxes and other nasty, land-based nest predators are expected to all but disappear as a result of drowned beach dunes and barrier island habitats. Permanently submerged beaches should eliminate the negative impact of four-wheel drive beach vehicles on the turtle's nests.
10) Rising sea levels will result in expanding foraging areas for coastal sea turtles and rooftops of abandoned buildings may provide predator free, island-like, nesting sites for several species. Continental shelf waters will cover larger areas of the earth's surface, while the pelagic waters will not decrease in size. This should be a tremendous benefit to inshore species and at the same time will not negatively affect any of the pelagic marine turtles.
A well-known radio talk-show host had but a single comment when he announced this over the air. "Like, HELLO; they are sea turtles, rising sea levels-- less land equals more open sea. DUHA! What's so complicated about that you eco-freaks? "
The prestigious international conservation organization of the Associated Sea turtle Scientists (ASS) followed up with a quick press release stating that this is a major first step in the right direction but a lot more important research remains to be done. Just last week the organization received a major four-year grant from a major oil company to further study the thermal regulatory needs of marine turtles. When asked for a comment, the company's VP remarked "We don't mind supporting good research, it the wasting of money by throwing it away at helping the turtles themselves that bothers us. In a decade when our profits are only up by 130% we need to watch our spending."
_____________________________________________________________________
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MORE ON the
COMPLETE NORTH AMERICAN BOX TURTLE
by
Carl J. Franklin, and David C. Killpack with foreword by C. Kenneth Dodd
Just published. 260 Pages, Over 300 full color photos and illustrations. Hardcover, Eco/Serpent's Tales
Only $49.95 plus $7.50 S&H, lowest price on net
Not even Amazon who are offering it for $59.95.
The natural follow-up to Dr. Dodd's now classic, "North American Box Turtles," A Complete Natural History,
With the latest information on N. American Box turtle natural history and conservation, and what was not in Dodd's book husbandry,
This is a beautiful book with excellent design, photos and wonderful drawings by David Killpack.
This book is a compilation of work of Carl Franklin and David Killpack's over 30 years of field experience,
An amazing resource for anyone interested in the natural history and husbandry of all species of North American Box turtles
OTHER BOOKS STILL AVAILABLE
TURTLES OF THE US & CANADA BY Carl Ernst and Jeffrey Lovich
List price $95.00 autographed - Not Autographed Reduced to $75.00-S&H for both
$ 7.50 shipping media mail.
THE ECOLOGY, EXPLOITATION AND CONSERVATION OF RIVER TURTLES
by Don Moll and Edward O. Moll. Considered by turtle scientists, and conservationists as one of the best books on turtle conservation. 420 pages; 90 halftones & 3 line illus.; 6-1/8 x 9-1/4; List price $80, now $30.00 plus $7.50 S&H.
THE AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES OF NY STATE
The first and only guide to the identification, distribution, natural history and conservation of the reptiles and amphibians of New York State. Paperback. By Gibbs, Breisch, Ducey, Johnson, Behler and Bothner. 422 pages. Over 55 color plates. Once $35.00, now $25.00 plus $6.00 S&H.
FOLLOWING THE WATER: A HYDROMANCER'S NOTEBOOK
New Book by MacArthur Genius Award winner David M. Caroll,
author of the now classics, "The Year of the Turtles," Self-Portrait with Turtles, and Swampwalker's Journal (3 Autographed Copies Left..) $24.00 plus $7.50 for S&H.
LIZARDS OF THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST, (Includes 5 Mexican States) edited by Lawrence Jones and Robert Lovich, Last of autographed copies on way from publisher. Still an amazing bargain at only $24.95 Plus $5.00 for shipping and handling in the U.S.
"THE FROGS AND TOADS OF NORTH AMERICA" is an amazing book. It contains: A CD of all 101 species found in US & Canada./Almost 400 great color photos 101 color location maps /In just 344 pages. Books this comprehensive usually go for at least $50.00.to &75.00. Or just $19.95 for the CD. But the publisher is offering it JUST FOR $19.95 Plus 7.50 S&H.
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Volume # 9 Issue #43- 09/25/09
Publisher/Editor- Allen Salzberg __________________________________________________________________
New Book
COMPLETE NORTH AMERICAN BOX TURTLE
Carl J. Franklin, and David C. Killpack with foreword by C. Kenneth Dodd
Just published. 260 Pages Over 300 full color photos and illustrations.
Hardcover, Eco/Serpent's Tales
Only $49.95 plus $7.50 S&H, lowest price on net
Not even Amazon who are offering it for $59.95.
And updated version of classic book on North American box turtles by C. Kenneth Dodd, but with information on husbandry.
To order see below
_______________________________________________________________________
Table of Contents
1) Bronx Zoo Herpetology Department Collections Manager Position
2) House GOPer Seeks Co-Sponsors For Pet Health Care Tax Benefit
3) Snakes Not Shy About Sex
4) Study Examines Use Of Toad Venom In Cancer Treatment
5) Man-Made Turtle Platforms Float At State Parks
6) Why Do People Make Snakes Pets? -Snake Lovers Say Reptiles Not Vicious Nor Violent
7) Too Many Snakes To Catch Them All (As In Released Or Escaped Ex-Pets)
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
8) Conservative Republicans Suddenly Take A Strong Interest In Reptile Conservation, FOX News Wire Service, Washington DC , 9/24/09.
________________________________________________________________________> Also Available
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TURTLES, FROGS, SNAKES AND LIZARDS
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For THE CLASSIC 2010 FULL COLOR TURTLE CALENDAR
GO TO WWW.HERPARTS.COM (under book and calendars)TO ORDER AND SEE PHOTOS
NEW FULL COLOR FROG, SNAKE AND LIZARD CALENDARS also available...
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The Frog, Snake and Lizard calendars are 18 month calendars starting at 9/09 so you can start using them now. Very limited supply. Imported from UK. Months and Days of Week in 5 languages, Even includes astrological dates.
_______________________________________________________________________
1) Bronx Zoo Herpetology Department Collections Manager Position
The Wildlife Conservation Society's Department of Herpetology at the Bronx Zoo invites qualified persons to apply for the Collections Manager position. The Bronx Zoo/Wildlife Conservation Society seeks an enthusiastic professional to join our 110-year-old Department of Herpetology! We are currently seeking a qualified individual with demonstrated interest and expertise in herpetology and management of living collections to become our Collections Manager.
Responsibilities include supervising the daily husbandry, enrichment, training, observation, and record keeping for animals in the collection in addition to assisting in the supervision of the maintenance and construction of exhibits or support services.
Minimum Qualifications: A minimum of five years of work experience in a zoological park or related institution. Preference will be given to candidates with a degree in zoological or biological sciences. Candidate must be motivated and energetic, possess management and strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to accept direction, and must be able to express ideas and work as part of a team for the betterment of the department. Individuals with a broad background in crocodilians, squamates (venomous and non-venomous), turtles, and amphibians will be seriously considered. The successful candidate also must possess a working knowledge of computers and basic programs and a valid driver's license.
Please apply online by October 16th at: https://sh.webhire.com/Public/907/
_______________________________________________________________________
2) House GOPer Seeks Co-Sponsors For Pet Health Care Tax Benefit
Sam Stein, 9/23/09, The Huffington Post
Even as his party blocks Democratic attempts to expand health insurance for humans, a Republican congressman is trying to round up support for a bill that would provide a $3,500 annual tax deduction for Americans to pay for the medical care of their pets.
Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.) sent out a "Dear Colleague" letter on Tuesday asking fellow members to co-sponsor his Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) Act, despite the upsurge in concern over the rising cost of health care coverage for actual humans.
"Dear Colleague," the letter reads.
"According to the 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey, 63% of United States households own a pet. Indeed, the human-animal bond has been shown to have a positive effect upon people's emotional and physical well being. In families with children, pets help to create a nurturing environment and provide ample educational opportunities. For people in later stages of life, pets offer important companionship. No matter the age of the owner, pets have been shown to reduce stress, safeguard against depression, improve social skills, and even ease loss.
"In light of this, please join me in becoming a cosponsor to H.R. 3501, the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) Act. If enacted, H.R. 3501 would amend the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to allow an annual tax deduction of up to $3500 for qualified pet care expenses. Specifically, "qualified pet care expenses" would be defined as funds spent in connection with providing care (including veterinary care) for a legally owned, domesticated animal."
McCotter's proposed legislation has, not surprisingly, been praised by pet's rights advocates who say it will help provide proper care for animals and ensure that people suffering from the recession don't abandon their pets.
But considering the political context in which the bill is being pushed, it's hard not to scratch one's head. It has become a mantra within the GOP that health care reform legislation (for humans) being considered by Democrats would drain the government of money at a time when the deficit is already out of control. Moreover, as pointed out by the site, Blogging for Michigan, the congressman's legislation would result in many Americans having a greater financial incentive to provide health care coverage to their pets than to themselves.
The IRS only allows me to deduct medical and dental expenses that exceed more than 7.5% of my adjusted gross income. Here's an example from their website:
'Your adjusted gross income is $40,000, 7.5% of which is $3,000. You paid medical expenses of $2,500. You cannot deduct any of your medical expenses because they are not more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.'
But apparently I could deduct up to $3500 that I spend on my dog!
McCotter has defended the introduction of his legislation by arguing that Congress can, in fact, do more than "one thing at a time." Introduced at the end of July, the bill currently has no cosponsors.
______________________________________________________________________
3) Snakes Not Shy About Sex
by Jannette Parke, 9/21/09 NorthernStar.com. Australia
LOVE is in the air at the Rodwell's farm out Kenilworth way.
Vicki Rodwell of Kenilworth took this amazing photograph of red-bellied snakes, just outside of her house yard.
LOVE is in the air at the Rodwell's farm out Kenilworth way.
Vicki Rodwell says they've had plenty of snakes at their place, but she's never seen anything quite like this display of spring fever.
Two red-bellied blacks were so totally absorbed in their "special cuddle" last Saturday that they took no notice of Vicki or her rottweiler dog.
Vicki captured the image after her dog started barking and growling in a particular way.
"We've had lots of snakes around, mostly browns, but nothing ever like this," she said.
"They were mating right outside the house yard. I thought I've got to get a photo of this and raced up the hill to get my camera and they were still at it when I got back."
The keen photographer said her camera is not usually too far away.
"I'm a camera person; I've always joked that I put on my camera before I put on my undies!"
Just to confirm that it was a mating pair and not two males having a "biffo", The Gympie Times emailed the photo to snake-catcher and herpetologist John Keady.
John confirmed it was a male and female doing what comes naturally this time of year, not two males fighting for mating rights, which can look similar.
"Two fighting males entwine differently and stand up. You can see these two are mating because they're being very gentle, and he's holding her there. The female is on the left and the male is entwined around her."
John urges people to never attempt to catch, corner or kill a snake, as this is when 90 per cent of bites are inflicted.
"These are two beautiful, healthy specimens," John said of the subjects in Vicki's photo.
Photos of snakes at: http://www.northernstar.com.au/story/2009/09/21/snakes-snapped-in-natural-behaviour/
_________________________________________________________________________
4) Study Examines Use Of Toad Venom In Cancer Treatment
September 24th, 2009,Phys.org
Huachansu, a Chinese medicine that comes from the dried venom secreted by the skin glands of toads, has tolerable toxicity levels, even at doses eight times those normally administered, and may slow disease progression in some cancer patients, say researchers from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.
The results from the Phase I clinical study, a collaborative research project between M. D. Anderson and Fudan University Cancer Hospital in Shanghai, are reported in the online Early View feature of the journal Cancer. The study marks the first time a formal clinical trial has examined the relationship between huachansu dose and toxicity, although the drug is common in China and approved by the Chinese Food and Drug Administration.
Huachansu is widely used to treat patients with liver, lung, colon and pancreatic cancer at oncology clinics in China. Chinese clinical trials conducted since the 1970s have demonstrated the anti-cancer properties of huachansu, citing total response rates of 10 percent and 16 percent observed in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and lung cancer, respectively1,2.
"Studying traditional Chinese medicine such as huachansu is new to American research institutions, which have been skeptical and slow to adopt these complementary treatments. However, it is important to understand its potential role in treating cancer," says Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D., one of the paper's authors and director of the Integrative Medicine Program at M. D. Anderson. "We wanted to apply a Western medicine-based approach to explore the role of the toad venom compound in cancer patients and test if it is possible to deliver a more potent dose without raising toxicities or side effects."
The clinical trial was conducted at the Fudan University Cancer Hospital while M. D. Anderson provided training and ongoing consultation. The institutions collaboratively designed the trial that was approved by both institutional review boards. M. D. Anderson and Fudan University Cancer Hospital signed a sister institution agreement in 2003, creating a framework for research, educational and clinical collaboration.
The typical dose of huachansu used in China is approximately 15 milliliters of drug per meter squared of body mass (mL/m2). In the study, 15 patients with stage III or IV hepatocellular (liver) carcinoma, nonsmall cell lung cancer or pancreatic cancer received one of five dose levels ranging from 10 mL/ m2 up to 90 mL/m2 from January 2005 through July 2006. The treatment was repeated daily for 14 days followed by seven days off (one cycle). After two cycles, most patients received other treatments. Quality control methods were put in place to ensure huachansu of a uniform and consistent lot. _____________________________________________________________________
5) Man-Made Turtle Platforms Float At State Parks
Republican Herald.com
by leslie Richardson (staff writer lrichardson@republicanherald.com)
Published: September 21, 2009
BARNESVILLE - People aren't the only ones who like to bask in the sun at area state parks.
Turtle basking habitat platforms were placed in the waters of Locust Lake and Tuscarora state parks last week so the turtles living there have a place to sun themselves.
Ben Page and Mike Swartz, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission habitat managers, Robin Tracey, environmental education specialist at both parks, and several volunteers built and placed the platforms in the water Wednesday.
The turtles will climb onto the platforms to bask in the sun as a means of thermal regulation.
Some turtles, like the painted, slider and diamondback varieties, will leave the water to dry out in the midday sun. They usually cling to vegetation or floating logs or lie on rocks. They use the sun to raise their body temperatures, since they cannot generate heat or regulate their own internal temperatures.
"They will be used mainly by painted turtles. We have a healthy population of them," Tracey said. "They need the platforms since we do not have enough natural structure for them to hang on to."
Four of the hemlock lumber and PVC pipe structures were pulled by canoe into the spillway pond at Locust Lake, while 10 went into the cove and dam areas at Tuscarora.
"They will act like a broad base, just like a floating log," Page said.
Tracey said the parks usually team up with the fish and boat commission each year on a project, sometimes involving fish, other times turtles.
"We put six of these in Tuscarora about 10 years ago, but we haven't seen them since the flood of 2006," Tracey said.
Once saturated, the platforms, anchored in the shallow water by concrete blocks tied with steel cable to the underside, will rise about one inch above the water.
Tracey said the platforms will make it easier for campers and others using the state parks to view the turtles.
"I am hoping for a late Indian summer so the turtles will make use of them before going underground," Tracey said. "They will be great for the kids to see."
Page said the platforms have about a 20-year life span, and similar structures used for pan fish that were placed in the water at Yellow Creek State Park in 1988 still exist.
"I really wanted these," Lew Williams, parks manager, said. "I am all for improving the habitat of our reptilian friends."
Williams said the fish and boat commission bore the cost of the project and similar projects like the fish structures installed last year at Tuscarora. _____________________________________________________________________________
6) Why Do People Make Snakes Pets? -Snake Lovers Say Reptiles Not Vicious Nor Violent
WESH.COM, Orlando, September 22, 2009,
DELTONA, Fla. -- Snake owners say they love reptiles.
The slithery creatures have made local headlines lately after an 18-foot Burmese python was found in the back yard of an Apopka home.
But why do people make the potentially dangerous creatures as pets?
A group of snake owners in Deltona said they just can't get enough of the reptiles.
They're cold-blooded, sometimes poisonous, and depicted as evil, but Ron Doria, a white-collar medical sales director, can't get enough of his snakes.
"They have such a bad rap of being something so vicious and so violent. It's not like that. It's just, it's false," Doria said.
Doria keeps over 40 snakes in his Deltona home. He shares his passion with a friend, Brian Radenberg, who owns over 100 snakes. Radenberg made the news when the city of Deltona tried unsuccessfully last year to force him to get rid of his venomous snakes.
There's also Scott Quint, a software engineer who owns 35 snakes. Why do these men have such a fascination with the animals?
For Quint, it's the science.
"They're beautiful animals. I think, evolutionally speaking, they're one of the most unique animals," Quint said.
For Radenberg, it's the way they feel.
"They just kind of crawl around on you, and I don't know, they're comfortable," Radenberg said.
And for Doria, who owns rattlesnakes, it's the thrill.
"I like the risk, a little bit, of knowing we have something ... control something that doesn't want to be controlled," Doria said.
The men said because they have the proper caging, proper licenses, and the experience to handle snakes, it mitigates any danger. They get frustrated by the negative stereotypes assigned to snake owners.
"There's still a belief that, if you keep snakes, you're somehow different. You're weird or you're not like everybody else, and admittedly, there are plenty of people who can give that appearance, but there also are plenty who do not," Quint said.
While snake owners may love their snakes, do their snakes love them back?
"They won't show affection, of course, like a dog or a cat. They don't have a brain large enough to do that, and everything is basically instinct for a snake," Chaz Hanna said.
Hanna sells snakes. He believes they're popular pets simply because they're fascinating to watch and easy to care for.
For many people, a learned fear of snakes makes the thought of owning one repulsive.
To help ensure the safety of others, both Radenberg and Doria have posted warnings on the entrances to their homes stating that venomous snakes live inside.
That way, if emergency personnel such as firefighters or police ever have to enter, they'll be forewarned. __________________________________________________________________________
7) Too Many Snakes To Catch Them All (As In Released Or Escaped Ex-Pets)
Monday, 21 Sep 2009, foxtampabay.com
DURANT - A giant snake is on the loose in eastern Hillsborough County, but wildlife officials say they are not going after it.
They say so many people have dumped pet snakes, they don't have the resources to go after them all.
Carol St. Pierre discovered the 10-foot boa constrictor next her to home in Durant.
"We're seen snakes out here, but that was the biggest one I have ever seen," she said. "I think it's in the woods across the street," St. Pierre said.
Even though it has been a while since she saw the snake, she says she is still shaken up. News reports about potentially dangerous Burmese pythons showing up in the Tampa Bay area have made her feel even more uncomfortable about her close encounter with the scaly beast.
St. Pierre was walking across her yard, and thought she saw a pile of dirt. Then it hit her. The pile of dirt was alive, reptilian, and very big. As she ran into to her house the snake began slithering away. But before it disappeared into the dense underbrush, she snapped half a dozen photos of it.
After seeing the pictures, wildlife officials say it is a common boa, a pet that escaped, or was dumped.
Officials say they are usually not a threat to people, but pets can be another story.
"The main staple of their diet is small mammals," said Breanne Stripina with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. "So any small mammals would be venerable, that would include small pets like dogs and cats."
Even though boas generally don't look for trouble, just knowing that the snake might come back gives St. Pierre the willies. Her husbandsays he isn't even fazed at all.
"If you don't go playing around with them, they usually leave you alone," he said.
If you have a snake , or other exotic pet you don't want any more, you can hand it over to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission during one of its amnesty days -- no questions asked.
They are held at different locations around the state several times a year.
For a list of dates and locations: http://www.myfwc.com/WILDLIFEHABITATS/Nonnative_AmnestyDayEvents.htm
A giant snake is on the loose in eastern Hillsborough County, but wildlife officials say they are not going after it.
They say so many people have dumped pet snakes, they don't have the resources to go after them all.
Carol St. Pierre discovered the 10-foot boa constrictor next her to home in Durant.
"We're seen snakes out here, but that was the biggest one I have ever seen," she said. "I think it's in the woods across the street," St. Pierre said.
Even though it has been a while since she saw the snake, she says she is still shaken up. News reports about potentially dangerous Burmese pythons showing up in the Tampa Bay area have made her feel even more uncomfortable about her close encounter with the scaly beast.
St. Pierre was walking across her yard, and thought she saw a pile of dirt. Then it hit her. The pile of dirt was alive, reptilian, and very big. As she ran into to her house the snake began slithering away. But before it disappeared into the dense underbrush, she snapped half a dozen photos of it.
After seeing the pictures, wildlife officials say it is a common boa, a pet that escaped, or was dumped.
Officials say they are usually not a threat to people, but pets can be another story.
"The main staple of their diet is small mammals," said Breanne Stripina with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. "So any small mammals would be venerable, that would include small pets like dogs and cats."
Even though boas generally don't look for trouble, just knowing that the snake might come back gives St. Pierre the willies. Her husband says he isn't even fazed at all.
"If you don't go playing around with them, they usually leave you alone," he said.
If you have a snake , or other exotic pet you don't want any more, you can hand it over to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission during one of its amnesty days -- no questions asked.
They are held at different locations around the state several times a year.
For a list of dates and locations: http://www.myfwc.com/WILDLIFEHABITATS/Nonnative_AmnestyDayEvents.htm _______________________________________________________________________
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
8) Conservative Republicans Suddenly Take A Strong Interest In Reptile Conservation.
FOX News Wire Service, Washington DC , 9/24/09.
For the last several weeks the aids of several prominent Republican Senators have been preparing a number of position papers on the positive effects of climate change for the upcoming G-20 summit. This one, the first to be released, only concerns sea turtles, but it gives us a preview of what is to come. These will be regarded as landmark documents in that they are the first attempt by the Republican leadership to show any interest at all in our nation's conservation concerns. A spokesperson for the Senators said this is just one of a number of up coming attempts by the Republicans to work with the Senate majority on topics they know will have the full support of Congress and the current administration. One key Democrat brushed this off as nonsense and saying that the Republicans were simply trying to divert attention away from the negative press they are now getting regarding their stand on health reform.
"In order to expand the Bush administration's effort to make people aware of the benefits of global warming we thought it might be informative to show how it will also benefit many species of wildlife, in this case marine turtles. Currently there is some misinformation going about that global warming is detrimental to sea turtles. Irrational fears, unfounded rumors and hysterical exaggerations set forth by various so-called environmental groups have no place in conservation. Its time to address this and to start thinking positive," the aids announced to a gathering of reporters at one of the Capital's local nightspots. A number of recognized national conservation organizations have already applauded today's announcement. Most sea turtles have remained on the Endangered Species Lists for decades, so it is important to recognize that they are now getting some long overdue help from a quite unexpected source." If we can't do away with the ESA then by God we have the power to fix it so these species are no longer endangered," one outspoken aid was overheard to say to a local TV reporter.
Ten reasons why Global Warming will be important to sea turtle conservation:
1) As primarily tropical and sub tropical species sea turtles will be able to expand marine forging areas as ocean temperatures increase. Changing oceanic currents and shifting frontal boundaries will allow all species to explore new warm water areas in their quest for food and nesting sites.
2) Rising sea levels will eliminate many of their lower elevation nesting sites, forcing the turtles to nest in fewer places, thus, making it easier to track and protect ALL remaining nesting rookeries.
3) Increased cyclone activity will displace all ages of marine turtles, often bringing them near shore, or even on shore where they can be seen, enjoyed and brought back to health by concerned people. The increased levels of awareness will help with regional conservation efforts for all species. A number of species will become less common making them more desirable must-see targets for amateur naturalists, this in turn will have a positive economic impact on coastal ecotourism as well as awareness for their conservation needs.
4) Melting of polar ice will increase the total volume of the world's seas diluting standing pollution loads to more acceptable levels.
5) Longer nesting seasons for sea turtles nesting on temperate beaches will increase egg production as turtles can produce additional clutches. Emerging hatchlings will no longer need to negotiate cool inshore waters in the fall.
6)Reduced need for migration, and less time spent on hostile "wintering" grounds will eliminate an important stress factor for nearly all species. Additionally, the hatchlings will not be required to travel as far to get back to the sea. Adults will not need to swim or crawl as far to nesting sites, there by not needing to store all those layers of body fat. Obesity is believed to be one of the major mortality factors for marine turtles. Trimmer turtles will he more efficient in their marine foraging.
7) Warmer ambient temperatures of nesting beaches will produce more female sea turtles per nest because of sex determination by incubation temperatures. Additional females in the population will quickly increase global stocks.
8) Competition with fisheries, and by catch issues will all but be eliminated as most coastal-based fishing centers will be underwater, commercial fishing activity will become a thing of the past.
9) Ghost crabs, coastal populations of raccoons and foxes and other nasty, land-based nest predators are expected to all but disappear as a result of drowned beach dunes and barrier island habitats. Permanently submerged beaches should eliminate the negative impact of four-wheel drive beach vehicles on the turtle's nests.
10) Rising sea levels will result in expanding foraging areas for coastal sea turtles and rooftops of abandoned buildings may provide predator free, island-like, nesting sites for several species. Continental shelf waters will cover larger areas of the earth's surface, while the pelagic waters will not decrease in size. This should be a tremendous benefit to inshore species and at the same time will not negatively affect any of the pelagic marine turtles.
A well-known radio talk-show host had but a single comment when he announced this over the air. "Like, HELLO; they are sea turtles, rising sea levels-- less land equals more open sea. DUHA! What's so complicated about that you eco-freaks? "
The prestigious international conservation organization of the Associated Sea turtle Scientists (ASS) followed up with a quick press release stating that this is a major first step in the right direction but a lot more important research remains to be done. Just last week the organization received a major four-year grant from a major oil company to further study the thermal regulatory needs of marine turtles. When asked for a comment, the company's VP remarked "We don't mind supporting good research, it the wasting of money by throwing it away at helping the turtles themselves that bothers us. In a decade when our profits are only up by 130% we need to watch our spending."
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MORE ON the
COMPLETE NORTH AMERICAN BOX TURTLE
by
Carl J. Franklin, and David C. Killpack with foreword by C. Kenneth Dodd
Just published. 260 Pages, Over 300 full color photos and illustrations. Hardcover, Eco/Serpent's Tales
Only $49.95 plus $7.50 S&H, lowest price on net
Not even Amazon who are offering it for $59.95.
The natural follow-up to Dr. Dodd's now classic, "North American Box Turtles," A Complete Natural History,
With the latest information on N. American Box turtle natural history and conservation, and what was not in Dodd's book husbandry,
This is a beautiful book with excellent design, photos and wonderful drawings by David Killpack.
This book is a compilation of work of Carl Franklin and David Killpack's over 30 years of field experience,
An amazing resource for anyone interested in the natural history and husbandry of all species of North American Box turtles
OTHER BOOKS STILL AVAILABLE
TURTLES OF THE US & CANADA BY Carl Ernst and Jeffrey Lovich
List price $95.00 autographed - Not Autographed Reduced to $75.00-S&H for both
$ 7.50 shipping media mail.
THE ECOLOGY, EXPLOITATION AND CONSERVATION OF RIVER TURTLES
by Don Moll and Edward O. Moll. Considered by turtle scientists, and conservationists as one of the best books on turtle conservation. 420 pages; 90 halftones & 3 line illus.; 6-1/8 x 9-1/4; List price $80, now $30.00 plus $7.50 S&H.
THE AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES OF NY STATE
The first and only guide to the identification, distribution, natural history and conservation of the reptiles and amphibians of New York State. Paperback. By Gibbs, Breisch, Ducey, Johnson, Behler and Bothner. 422 pages. Over 55 color plates. Once $35.00, now $25.00 plus $6.00 S&H.
FOLLOWING THE WATER: A HYDROMANCER'S NOTEBOOK
New Book by MacArthur Genius Award winner David M. Caroll,
author of the now classics, "The Year of the Turtles," Self-Portrait with Turtles, and Swampwalker's Journal (3 Autographed Copies Left..) $24.00 plus $7.50 for S&H.
LIZARDS OF THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST, (Includes 5 Mexican States) edited by Lawrence Jones and Robert Lovich, Last of autographed copies on way from publisher. Still an amazing bargain at only $24.95 Plus $5.00 for shipping and handling in the U.S.
"THE FROGS AND TOADS OF NORTH AMERICA" is an amazing book. It contains: A CD of all 101 species found in US & Canada./Almost 400 great color photos 101 color location maps /In just 344 pages. Books this comprehensive usually go for at least $50.00.to &75.00. Or just $19.95 for the CD. But the publisher is offering it JUST FOR $19.95 Plus 7.50 S&H.
For more information on books and how to order see below
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Tuesday, 18 August 2009
HerpDigest.org: The Only Free Weekly Electronic Newsletter That Reports on The Latest News on Herpetological Conservation and Science
HerpDigest.org: The Only Free Weekly Electronic Newsletter That Reports on The Latest News on Herpetological Conservation and Science
Volume # 9 Issue #37 - 8/17/09
Publisher/Editor- Allen Salzberg
__________________________________________________________________
TWO NEW BOOKS AVAILABLE AT HERPDIGST
FOLLOWING THE WATER: A HYDROMANCER'S NOTEBOOK
New Book by MacArthur Genius Award winner David M. Caroll,author Of the now classics, "The Year of the Turtles," Self-Portrait with Turtles, and Swampwalker's Journal (Limited number of Autographed Copies Will Be Available, Herpdigest has exclusive on autographed copies. Orders are already coming in.)
LIZARDS OF THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST, (Includes 5 Mexican States) edited by Lawrence Jones and Robert Lovich, (6 Autographed Copies Left. When They Are Gone All Orders Will Be Filled With Non Autographed Copies.)
For more information on books and how to order see below
________________________________________________________________
Table of Contents
1) David Carroll Talks About His Life With Turtles. (Short Video)
2) Latent Mortality of Juvenile Snapping Turtles from the Upper Hudson River, New York, Exposed Maternally and Via the Diet to Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
3) Gaffney Turtle Symposium (Study Of Fossil Turtles)
4) Center for Biodiversity Alerts for Help to Stop Commercial Collection of Turtles in Tennessee and Arkansas
5) Hundreds Of New Species Discovered In Fragile Eastern Himalayas- Decade Of Discovery Includes Prehistoric Gecko, Flying Frog And World's Second Smallest Deer
6) So Snappy Together - Close Encounter ... Chico And His Best Mate 17 Foot Crocodile
7) The Wild's Creeping Killer - Cancer
8) Bibliography of Issues of - IRCF Reptiles & Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History 16 (1) & (2) Two Issues Published So Far This Year. It's A Quarterly - Next Issue - Due Out Soon.
_________________________________________________________________
Still Available from Herpdigest -
TURTLES OF THE US & CANADA BY Carl Ernst and Jeffrey Lovich$95.00 plus $ 5 shipping media mail.
______________________________________________________________________
Addendum, to article 5 issue 36Secretary Treasurer of "African Journal of Herpetology" -Herpetological Association of Africa - is nowMandi Alblas/Stellenbosch University/Dept of Biomedical SciencesDivision of Anatomy & Histology/P.O. Box 19063/Tygerberg, 7505Tel: +27 21 938 9394/Fax: +27 21 938 9317Mobile: 0825771645MandiEmail aa2@sun.ac.za
___________________________________________________________________
1) David Carroll Talks About His Life With Turtles. (Short Video)WBUR, 90.9 /February 16, 2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XB56v9nSMiwhttp://www.wbur.org/news/local/turtle/
In recognition of his work with turtles, Carroll was named a 2006 MacArthur Fellow. The Foundation said: "His understanding of the plants and animals that comprise these natural systems makes him a valuable resource for herpetologists, ecologists, and conservationists, providing a meticulous chronicle of life in areas threatened by human encroachment..." (MacArthur Foundation.)_______________________________________________________________________________
2) Latent Mortality of Juvenile Snapping Turtles from the Upper Hudson River, New York, Exposed Maternally and Via the Diet to Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Karen M. Eisenreich, Shannon M. Kelly and Christopher L. Rowe*University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, PO Box 38, Solomons, Maryland 20688Environ. Sci. Technol., 2009, 43 (15), pp 6052-6057DOI: 10.1021/es9008344Publication Date (Web): July 2, 2009* Corresponding author phone: (410) 326-7227; fax: (410) 326-7302; e-mail: rowe@cbl.umces.edu.
Abstract
We conducted a factorial experiment to compare sublethal and lethal responses of juvenile snapping turtles exposed maternally and/or through the diet to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) over 14 months posthatching. Maternal exposure did not affect embryonic development or hatching success. Thyrosomatic indices were not influenced by treatments, although hepatosomatic indices were lower in animals having been exposed to PCBs maternally relative to those having been exposed both maternally and via the diet. Dietary PCB exposure reduced metabolic rates of juveniles in two of three assays conducted. Approximately eight months after hatching, high rates of mortality began to emerge in individuals having been exposed maternally to PCBs, and mortality rate correlated with [PCB]total in eggs. Prior to death, individuals that died experienced lower growth rates than those that survived, suggesting chronic effects prior to death. By 14 months posthatching, only 40% of juveniles derive!d from females in the contaminated area had survived, compared to 90% from the reference area. Such latent effects of maternally derived contaminants suggest that assessments of environmental impacts based upon shorter-term studies may provide very conservative estimates of the severity of effects, as they cannot capture responses that may emerge later in the life cycle.
_______________________________________________________________________
3) Gaffney Turtle Symposium (Study Of Fossil Turtles)
On October 17 & 18, 2009, the Royal Tyrrell Museum will recognize the contributions of Gene Gaffney to the study of fossil turtles by bringing together paleontologists, geologists, and science enthusiasts from around the world to share the results of recent research on fossil turtles. Keynote speakers are Richard Moody and Robert Carroll, as well as Gene Gaffney, who will not only speak about his own research, but also on the history of fossil turtle studies. A published abstract volume of the symposium will be available, along with a separate Festschrift volume in honour of Gene Gaffney, after the symposium.
After the sessions and presentations, a special field trip to Dinosaur Provincial Park is being offered. Please see below for more information.
Symposium Events
* Friday evening (October 16) Icebreaker at the Royal Tyrrell Museum with cash bar
* Saturday & Sunday (October 17 & 18) talks, scientific posters, and viewing of new turtle specimens
* Saturday evening (October 17) BBQ supper
* One-day field trip to Dinosaur Provincial Park on Monday, October 19 (there is a separate fee for the field trip)
Contact Us
Toll free in North America (outside Alberta) 1-888-440-4240
Toll free in Alberta 310-0000 then (403) 823-7707
Outside North America 1-403-823-7707
Emailtyrrell.info@gov.ab.ca
Please ask for the Bookings Office.
_______________________________________________________________________
4) Center for Biodiversity Alerts for Help to Stop Commercial Collection of Turtles in Tennessee and Arkansas
Canter for Biodiveristy has created an online action alert regarding Tennessee turtle harvest, to make it easier for individuals to send a message to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission.
See http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2167/t/5243/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=27781
Please have your conservation organization send in your own letter rather than a form letter - this will be much more effective with the commission. It is especially important for groups in Tennessee and neighboring states to weigh in.
Arkansas
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will also discuss our turtle harvest ban petition on Thursday, August 20th in Little Rock. See http://www.agfc.com/commission/commission-agenda.aspx. If you are in Arkansas, please attend this meeting and speak out for turtle protection!
Please write to the Arkansas Commission and urge a complete ban on commercial turtle harvest in Arkansas.
Commissioners:
shenderson@agfc.state.ar.us
brettmorgan@att.netlburns@stephensgroup.com
gdunklin@dunklingrain.com
ronpierce@suddenlink.net
Rick@TheWatkinsCompany.com
rduncan@agfc.state.ar.usemahony@suddenlinkmail.com
Talking points:
Contaminated turtles harvested in Arkansas are being sold domestically as food, and are exported in increasing numbers to international food markets. Many of these turtles are harvested from streams under fish advisories due to aquatic contaminants that are carcinogenic or harmful to humans, such as DDT, PCBs, pesticides, mercury, and other heavy metals. Turtles can bioaccumulate much greater levels of aquatic contaminants than fish. The consumption of contaminated turtles is a substantial public health risk.
Freshwater turtles cannot sustain any significant level of harvest from the wild without population crashes, because commercial collecting of wild turtles intensifies the effects of water pollution, road mortality, incidental take from fishing, and habitat loss, which are already causing turtle declines.
Interstate and international wildlife exporters and dealers are exploiting Arkansas laws allowing turtle harvest. State wildlife agencies in Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Alabama have recently prohibited commercial take of freshwater turtles from the wild due to turtle population crashes. Wildlife biologists from these states are recommending that neighboring states also prohibit harvest, since wildlife traffickers are stepping up harvest in unregulated states and illegally trapping turtles in states where they are protected and claiming they were collected in states where harvest is still legal.
Please act immediately to end all commercial harvest, sales and export of wild turtles, both from public and private waters, for wildlife protection and health reasons.
From - Jeff Miller/Conservation Advocate/Center for Biological Diversity351 California Street, Suite 600/San Francisco, CA 94104/Phone: (415) 436-9682 x303Fax: (415) 436-9683/Web site: www.biologicaldiversity.org
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5) Hundreds Of New Species Discovered In Fragile Eastern HimalayasDecade Of Discovery Includes Prehistoric Gecko, Flying Frog And World's Second Smallest Deer
FULL REPORT can be found at the following address: http://www.divshare.com/download/8102140-6fa
PICTURES can be downloaded at the following address (Password: flying frog): https://intranet.panda.org/wwf_photos/index.cfm?albumId=3346
Press Release: 8/10/009Lee Poston , lee.poston@wwfus.org /(202) 495-4536
Washington, DC - Over 350 new species including the world's second smallest deer, a "flying frog" and a 100 million-year old gecko have been discovered in the Eastern Himalayas, a biological treasure trove now threatened by climate change.
A decade of research carried out by scientists in remote mountain areas endangered by rising global temperatures brought exciting discoveries such as a bright green frog that uses its red and long webbed feet to glide in the air.One of the most significant findings was not exactly "new" in the classic sense. A 100-million year-old gecko, the oldest fossil gecko species known to science, was discovered in an amber mine in the Hukawng Valley in the northern Myanmar.
The WWF report The Eastern Himalayas - Where Worlds Collide details discoveries made by scientists from various organizations between 1998 and 2008 in a region reaching across Bhutan and north-east India to the far north of Myanmar as well as Nepal and southern parts of Tibet Autonomus Region (China).
"The good news of this explosion in species discoveries is tempered by the increasing threats to the Himalayas' cultural and biological diversity," said Jon Miceler, Director of WWF's Eastern Himalayas Program. "This rugged and remarkable landscape is already seeing direct, measurable impacts from climate change and risks being lost forever."
In December world leaders will gather in Copenhagen to reach an agreement on a new climate deal, which will replace the existing Kyoto Protocol.The Eastern Himalayas- Where Worlds Collide describes more than 350 new species discovered - including 244 plants, 16 amphibians, 16 reptiles, 14 fish, 2 birds, 2 mammals and at least 60 new invertebrates.
The report mentions the miniature muntjac, also called the "leaf deer," which is the world's oldest and second smallest deer species. Scientists initially believed the small creature found in the world's largest mountain range was a juvenile of another species but DNA tests confirmed the light brown animal with innocent dark eyes was a distinct and new species.
The Eastern Himalayas harbor a staggering 10,000 plant species, 300 mammal species, 977 bird species, 176 reptiles, 105 amphibians and 269 types of freshwater fish. The region also has the highest density of Bengal tigers in the world and is the last bastion of the charismatic greater one-horned rhino.WWF is working to conserve the habitat of endangered species such as snow leopards, Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, red pandas, takin, golden langurs, Gangetic dolphins and one-horned rhinos.
Historically, the rugged and largely inaccessible landscape of the Eastern Himalayas has made biological surveys in the region extremely difficult. As a result, wildlife has remained poorly surveyed and there are large areas that are still biologically unexplored.
Today further species continue to be unearthed and many more species of amphibians,
Reptiles and fish are currently in the process of being officially named by scientists.
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6) So Snappy Together - Close Encounter ... Chico And His Best Mate 17 Foot CrocodileBy Virginia Wheeler, The Sun (U.K.), 8/17/09
IF you thought the legend of the horse whisperer was impressive, here's an animal tale with even more bite.
Rather than trying to tame wild stallions, fearless Costa Rican fisherman Chito prefers a playful wrestle in the water with his best pal Pocho - a deadly 17ft crocodile.
The 52-year-old daredevil draws gasps of amazement from onlookers by wading chest-deep into the water, then whistling for his 980lb buddy - and giving him an affectionate hug.
Crazy Chito says: "Pocho is my best friend. This is a very dangerous routine but we have a good relationship. He will look me in the eye and not attack me.
"It is too dangerous for anyone else to come in the water. It is only ever the two of us."
Chito made friends with the croc after finding him with a gunshot wound on the banks of the Central American state's Parismina river 20 years ago.
He had been shot in the left eye by a cattle farmer and was close to death.
But Chito enlisted the help of several pals to load the massive reptile into his boat.
He says: "When I found Pocho in the river he was dying, so I brought him into my house.
"He was very skinny, weighing only around 150lb. I gave him chicken and fish and medicine for six months to help him recover.
"I stayed by Pocho's side while he was ill, sleeping next to him at night. I just wanted him to feel that somebody loved him, that not all humans are bad.
"It meant a lot of sacrifice. I had to be there every day. I love all animals - especially ones that have suffered."
It took years before Chito felt that Pocho had bonded with him enough to get closer to the animal.
He says: "After a decade I started to work with him. At first it was slow, slow. I played with him a bit, slowly doing more.
"Then I found out that when I called his name he would come over to me."
At one point during his recovery, Chito left the croc in a lake near his house. But as he turned to walk away, to his amazement Pocho got out of the water and began to follow him home.
Chito recalls: "That convinced me the crocodile could be tame." But when he first fearlessly waded into the water with the giant reptile his family was so horrified they couldn't bear to watch. So instead, he took to splashing around with Pocho when they were asleep.
Four years ago Chito showed some of his tricks to friends, including getting the animal to close his eyes on command, and they convinced him to go public with a show.
Now he swims and plays with Pocho as well as feeding him at the lake near his home in the lowland tropical town of Sarapiqui.
The odd couple have now become a major tourist attraction, with several tour operators, including Crocodile Adventures, taking visitors on touring cruises to see the pair.
On the Crocodile Adventures website it describes the spectacle as: "One of the most amazing things that no cruise ship passenger will want to miss, the adventure show between the man and the crocodile."
American crocodiles, which inhabit North, Central and South America, can live to around 70 years old. It is estimated that Pocho is around 50 - almost the same age as his owner.
They are also said to be less aggressive than their Nile or Australian counterparts.
Chito, whose real name is Gilberto Shedden, was given his nickname by friends, who also call him "Tarzan Tico" - Tico being a familiar word for a Costa Rican.
And he certainly plays up to the name, wearing a tattered pair of leopard-print shorts for his half-hour performances with Pocho.
A keen conservationist, he also offers boat tours, where he eagerly points out a variety of wildlife.
But he only charges a few dollars to watch the breathtaking crocodile show, claiming he does not want to cash in on Pocho.
He says: "He's my friend, I don't want to treat him like a slave or exploit him.
"I am happy because I rescued him and he is happy with me because he has everything he needs."
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/features/2589865/Blokes-best-mate-is-a-crocodile.html
For photos and a video.
________________________________________________________________________7) The Wild's Creeping Killer - Cancer
Jul 27, 2009 , Newsweek
In 1999, wildlife disease specialist Thierry Work looked over the bow of his small whaler as it cut through a lagoon on the south side of Molokai, an island in Hawaii. On an emergent rock he saw a listless sea turtle, waiting to die.
"This guy was so weak that he just let us pick him up," says Work, who runs the National Wildlife Health Center'sHonolulu field station. "He was so emaciated that his ventral was completely disked in. You could fill him up with water and use him as a bowl." Like more than quarter of the green turtles Work has plucked from the water or found stranded on Hawaii's beaches, this one was covered with tumors on its eyes and mouth, dying from a poorly understood form of cancer.
Work's turtle is one of a wide array of species afflicted by a range of cancers, according to a paper published in the July and August editions of Nature Reviews Cancer. "Wildlife Cancer: a conservation perspective summarizes mounting evidence of human's contribution to carcinogenesis in wild-animal populations across the globe, thanks to man-made toxins dumped into wildlife's natural habitats. (For references to the specific articles see bottom of article)
"I am concerned that we as humans continue to impact the environment quite significantly," says Denise McAloose, the report's lead author and chief pathologist for the Wildlife Conservations Society's (WCS) Global Health Program. "As the human population continues to grow and utilize resources and damage the environment, I do believe that we will continue to see the emergence of disease, including cancer in wildlife."
On San Francisco's touristy Pier 39, the incessant barking of male sea lions and their harems of smaller females fills the air. Periodically Frances Gulland, the director of veterinary science at the Marine Mammal Center in neighboring Sausalito, receives calls from the pier reporting a sea lion crippled by tumors. Despite huge swelling on and around their hind flippers and anus, Gulland says the animals "mask their pain" in a last ditch effort to elude opportunistic predators. "You see that they have been struggling and struggling."
According to Gulland, 17 percent of the sea lions brought to the center die of renal failure or paralysis, caused when tumors linked to Otarine herpesvirus-1 travel up the genital tact and push against the kidney and spine. According to the Nature Reviews Cancer article, sea lions that died of genital carcinoma had an 85 percent higher concentration of toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in their system than other sea lions. (PCBs are toxic compounds used in coolants and electrical transformers.) Gulland points out that blubber samples of sea lions who died of cancer also show high concentrations of the pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), in part because many are born near the Channel Islands where 1,700 tons of the toxin were dumped prior to its ban in 1972.
For more information:
Nature Reviews Cancer 9, 517-526 (July 2009)
Science and society: Wildlife cancer: a conservation perspective
Denise McAloose1 & Alisa L. Newton1 s
Until recently, cancer in wildlife was not considered to be a conservation concern. However, with the identification of Tasmanian devil facial tumour disease, sea turtle fibropapillomatosis and sea lion genital carcinoma, it has become apparent that neoplasia can be highly prevalent and have considerable effects on some species. It is also clear that anthropogenic activities contribute to the development of neoplasia in wildlife species, such as beluga whales and bottom-dwelling fish, making them sensitive sentinels of disturbed environments.
(* In the version of this article initially published online and in print, table 1 on page 521 mistakenly indicated papillomavirus as the associated virus for flatback turtle (Natator depressus), olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), Kemp's ridley turtle (L. kempii) and hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). These entries have therefore been removed from the table.
Reference 154 has also been removed from the article because other references in the main text discuss the virus association in specific turtle species. Accordingly, references 155-162 have been renumbered as references 154-161. These errors have been corrected for the HTML and PDF versions of the article.)
Nature Reviews Cancer 9, 605 (August 2009)
Science and society : Wildlife cancer: a conservation perspective
Denise McAloose & Alisa L. Newton
Nature Reviews Cancer 9, 517-526 (2009)
In table 1 on page 521 of the above article, the associated virus for flatback turtle (Natator depressus), olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), Kemp's ridley turtle (L. kempii) and hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) was mistakenly indicated as papillomavirus. These entries have therefore been removed from the table. Reference 154 has also been removed from the article because other references in the main text discuss the virus association in specific turtle species. Accordingly, references 155-162 have been renumbered as references 154-161.
Author affiliations
1. Denise McAloose and Alisa L. Newton are at Pathology and Disease Investigation, Global Health Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York, New York 10460, USA.
Correspondence to: Denise McAloose1 Email: dmcaloose@wcs.org
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8) Bibliography of Issues of - IRCF Reptiles & Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History 16 (1) & (2) Two Issues Published So Far This Year. It's A Quarterly - Next Issue - Due Out Soon.
Copies of these two issues are available for sale ($8.00 each). Email Breck Batholomew at Breck Bartholomew, Bibliomania: breck@herplit.com
To subscribe and/or become a member go to http://www.ircf.org/
IRCF Reptiles & Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History 16 (1)
Ariano-Sanchez, Daniel and Lester Melendez. 2009. Arboreal alligator lizards in the genus Abronia : emeralds from the cloud forests of Guatemala. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (1): 24-27.
Burton, Fred. 2009. One species that will be saved: The Grand Canyon Cayman Blue Iguana. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (1): 38-41.
Colon Achilla, Alfredo D. 2009. Turning the tables: Lizard eats snake. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (1): 28.
Gagliardo, Ron. 2009. Beyond 2008 "Year of the Frog": The challenges facing amphibians and the amphibian ark. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (1): 29-37.
Grismer, Jesse L. 2009. Battle of the sexes: asexuality versus sexuality. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (1): 2-5.
Gutman, Al. 2009. Book Review: Animals Make Us Human. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (1): 54.
Mathis, Alicia and Adam Crane. 2009. Saving a giant salamader. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (1): 18-23.Perry, Gad and Robert Powell. 2009. The herpetofauna of Guana Island: an annotated checklist and treavelogue. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (1): 6-17.
Pieper, Lynner, Stesha Pasachnik and Kirsten Hines. 2009. Profile: John Iverson: Reseacher, Teacher, Friend. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (1): 48-53.
Rudman, Seth. 2009. Madagascar. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (1): 42-47.
IRCF Reptiles & Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History 16 (2)
Alvarado Z., Luis F. 2009. Project heloderma and project palearis: progress toward an In-situ reproduction center. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (2): 110-115.
Benton, Thomas H. 2009. Revisiting natural science. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (2): 102-106.
Brock, Jason. 2009. Keeping and breeding impressed tortoises (Manouria impressa). IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (2): 98-101.
Germano, Jen and Lisa Daglish. 2009. The plight of the world's most archaic frogs. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (2): 66-73.
Grismer, L. Lee, Norhayati Ahmad and Chan Kin Onn. 2009. New faces from ancient places: uncovering peninsular Malaysia's hidden lizard diversity part I: Geckos. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (2): 90-97.
Kacoliris, Federico P. 2009. Biology and conservation of the sand dune lizard (Liolaemus multimaculatus). IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (2): 74-81.
LaFee, Scott. 2009. Dead reckoning: Calculating the costs of an ongoing mass extinction. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (2): 106-109.
Mendelson III, Joseph R. 2009. Discovering and naming new species ofamphibians. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (2): 82-89.
Powell, Robert. 2009. Book Reviews: Mean and Lowly Things. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (2): 116.
Powell, Robert. 2009. Book Reviews: Wet Places. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (2): 117.
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MORE ON BOOKS ----
Following the Water: A Hydromancer's NotebookNew Book by MacArthur Genius Award winner David M. Caroll, (author of the now classics, "The Year of the Turtles," Self-Portrait with Turtles, and Swampwalker's Journal (Author And Illustrator)
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009, 208 pages,
HerpDigest will have available a limited number of autographed copies. Only $24.00 plus &7.50 for S&H within the U.S.
Synopsis
The writer, naturalist, and artist David Carroll illuminates the ecology and life histories the tree frogs, hawks, foxes, and the increasingly rare wood and spotted turtles he has been tracking for decades with the precision and passion that won him a 2006 MacArthur "genius" award.
Following the Water is the intensely observed chronicle of Carroll's annual March-to-November wetlands immersion-from the joy of the first turtle sighting in March to the gorgeously described, vibrant trilling of tree frogs ("lichen with eyes") in late May to the ancient sense of love and loss Carroll experiences each autumn when it is time once again to part with open water.
Illustrated with the author's fine pen-and-ink drawings, Following theWater is a gorgeous evocation of nature, an utterly unique "admission ticket to a secret corner of the world" (Bill McKibben).
REVIEW
From Publishers WeeklyIn this sensuous nature journal, MacArthur genius award winner Carroll (The Year of the Turtle) follows the inhabitants of his local New Hampshire wetlands through a season of turtle life from March thaw, when the turtles wake from hibernation, to November, when ice puts them back to sleep, along the way celebrating such personal holy days as the Return of the Red-winged Blackbird. Wearing camouflage and waders, he meets wildlife on its own terms. At the sudden appearance of a red doe, he wonders, to have those senses-would I trade my thinking, dreaming, imagining mind for them for one full day... would I ever want to come back? He watches a thirsty turtle hatchling encountering water for the first time: he extends his neck full length, immerses his head, closes his eyes and drinks for 21 minutes. Accompanied by Carroll's own exquisite drawings, this poetic recording of his season of loving observation is subdued by Carroll's dread of habitat destruction and nostalgia for a !boyhood when I entered waters that, if not alive themselves, were so filled with light and life that my binding with them was as much metaphysical as physical.
Biography
DAVID M. CARROLL is the author of The Year of the Turtle, Trout Reflections, Self-Portrait with Turtles, and Swampwalker's Journal, which won the prestigious John Burroughs Medal. In 2006 he won a MacArthur "genius" award for his work as a writer, artist, and naturalist. Carroll has been featured on Today (where he reached down into swampy water, miraculously pulled up a turtle he knew, and told her history), in numerous newspapers and magazines, and in the most popular documentary in the history of New Hampshire public television. He is an active lecturer and consultant to conservation institutions throughout New England.
AND
Lizards of the American Southwest, (Includes 5 Mexican States) edited by Lawrence Jones and Robert Lovich,560 pages, Rivo Neuvo Publishers, Tucson, AZ, Official publication date -September 2009, English, Over 400 color photos,
An amazing bargain at only $24.95 Plus $5.00 for shipping and handling in the U.S. (sent media mail, delivery confirmation).
Order now. HerpDigest has a limited amount of copies autographed by the editors. Do it now to insure you get one of the copies.
Product DescriptionLizards of the American Southwest covers all 96 species found in California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and Texas west of the Pecos River. Also four Mexican states: Baja California, Baja California sur, Sonora and Chihuahua.
Learn where to find lizards and how to identify them. Includes detailed information on habitat, natural history, taxonomy, viewing tips, laws and regulations, conservation, plus hundreds of photos, illustrations, and maps.
77 experts contributed to this book making it the most comprehensive guide to Lizards of the Southwest.
Includes checklist by state (U.S. and Mexico) which lizards by scientific name, common English name and Spanish Standard vernacular. Mexican vernacular.
About the AuthorsLawrence Jones has a BS and MS in zoology from California State University, Long Beach, and has worked for 25 years in the research and management branches of the USDA Forest Service and other public agencies. Larry has over 60 scientific and popular publications, including two books on amphibians of the Pacific Northwest.
Robert Lovich is a herpetologist with over a decade of experience working in the southwestern United States. He will soon complete his PhD. at Loma Linda University on the conservation genetics of the endangered Arroyo Toad. Robert has strong interests in the natural history and evolution of reptiles and amphibians, and a long list of peer-reviewed publications.
(IF YOU ARE OVERSEAS -WHICH INCLUDES CANADA AND MEXICO-EMAIL US FIRST FOR SHIPPING COSTS.).
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Volume # 9 Issue #37 - 8/17/09
Publisher/Editor- Allen Salzberg
__________________________________________________________________
TWO NEW BOOKS AVAILABLE AT HERPDIGST
FOLLOWING THE WATER: A HYDROMANCER'S NOTEBOOK
New Book by MacArthur Genius Award winner David M. Caroll,author Of the now classics, "The Year of the Turtles," Self-Portrait with Turtles, and Swampwalker's Journal (Limited number of Autographed Copies Will Be Available, Herpdigest has exclusive on autographed copies. Orders are already coming in.)
LIZARDS OF THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST, (Includes 5 Mexican States) edited by Lawrence Jones and Robert Lovich, (6 Autographed Copies Left. When They Are Gone All Orders Will Be Filled With Non Autographed Copies.)
For more information on books and how to order see below
________________________________________________________________
Table of Contents
1) David Carroll Talks About His Life With Turtles. (Short Video)
2) Latent Mortality of Juvenile Snapping Turtles from the Upper Hudson River, New York, Exposed Maternally and Via the Diet to Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
3) Gaffney Turtle Symposium (Study Of Fossil Turtles)
4) Center for Biodiversity Alerts for Help to Stop Commercial Collection of Turtles in Tennessee and Arkansas
5) Hundreds Of New Species Discovered In Fragile Eastern Himalayas- Decade Of Discovery Includes Prehistoric Gecko, Flying Frog And World's Second Smallest Deer
6) So Snappy Together - Close Encounter ... Chico And His Best Mate 17 Foot Crocodile
7) The Wild's Creeping Killer - Cancer
8) Bibliography of Issues of - IRCF Reptiles & Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History 16 (1) & (2) Two Issues Published So Far This Year. It's A Quarterly - Next Issue - Due Out Soon.
_________________________________________________________________
Still Available from Herpdigest -
TURTLES OF THE US & CANADA BY Carl Ernst and Jeffrey Lovich$95.00 plus $ 5 shipping media mail.
______________________________________________________________________
Addendum, to article 5 issue 36Secretary Treasurer of "African Journal of Herpetology" -Herpetological Association of Africa - is nowMandi Alblas/Stellenbosch University/Dept of Biomedical SciencesDivision of Anatomy & Histology/P.O. Box 19063/Tygerberg, 7505Tel: +27 21 938 9394/Fax: +27 21 938 9317Mobile: 0825771645MandiEmail aa2@sun.ac.za
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1) David Carroll Talks About His Life With Turtles. (Short Video)WBUR, 90.9 /February 16, 2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XB56v9nSMiwhttp://www.wbur.org/news/local/turtle/
In recognition of his work with turtles, Carroll was named a 2006 MacArthur Fellow. The Foundation said: "His understanding of the plants and animals that comprise these natural systems makes him a valuable resource for herpetologists, ecologists, and conservationists, providing a meticulous chronicle of life in areas threatened by human encroachment..." (MacArthur Foundation.)_______________________________________________________________________________
2) Latent Mortality of Juvenile Snapping Turtles from the Upper Hudson River, New York, Exposed Maternally and Via the Diet to Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Karen M. Eisenreich, Shannon M. Kelly and Christopher L. Rowe*University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, PO Box 38, Solomons, Maryland 20688Environ. Sci. Technol., 2009, 43 (15), pp 6052-6057DOI: 10.1021/es9008344Publication Date (Web): July 2, 2009* Corresponding author phone: (410) 326-7227; fax: (410) 326-7302; e-mail: rowe@cbl.umces.edu.
Abstract
We conducted a factorial experiment to compare sublethal and lethal responses of juvenile snapping turtles exposed maternally and/or through the diet to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) over 14 months posthatching. Maternal exposure did not affect embryonic development or hatching success. Thyrosomatic indices were not influenced by treatments, although hepatosomatic indices were lower in animals having been exposed to PCBs maternally relative to those having been exposed both maternally and via the diet. Dietary PCB exposure reduced metabolic rates of juveniles in two of three assays conducted. Approximately eight months after hatching, high rates of mortality began to emerge in individuals having been exposed maternally to PCBs, and mortality rate correlated with [PCB]total in eggs. Prior to death, individuals that died experienced lower growth rates than those that survived, suggesting chronic effects prior to death. By 14 months posthatching, only 40% of juveniles derive!d from females in the contaminated area had survived, compared to 90% from the reference area. Such latent effects of maternally derived contaminants suggest that assessments of environmental impacts based upon shorter-term studies may provide very conservative estimates of the severity of effects, as they cannot capture responses that may emerge later in the life cycle.
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3) Gaffney Turtle Symposium (Study Of Fossil Turtles)
On October 17 & 18, 2009, the Royal Tyrrell Museum will recognize the contributions of Gene Gaffney to the study of fossil turtles by bringing together paleontologists, geologists, and science enthusiasts from around the world to share the results of recent research on fossil turtles. Keynote speakers are Richard Moody and Robert Carroll, as well as Gene Gaffney, who will not only speak about his own research, but also on the history of fossil turtle studies. A published abstract volume of the symposium will be available, along with a separate Festschrift volume in honour of Gene Gaffney, after the symposium.
After the sessions and presentations, a special field trip to Dinosaur Provincial Park is being offered. Please see below for more information.
Symposium Events
* Friday evening (October 16) Icebreaker at the Royal Tyrrell Museum with cash bar
* Saturday & Sunday (October 17 & 18) talks, scientific posters, and viewing of new turtle specimens
* Saturday evening (October 17) BBQ supper
* One-day field trip to Dinosaur Provincial Park on Monday, October 19 (there is a separate fee for the field trip)
Contact Us
Toll free in North America (outside Alberta) 1-888-440-4240
Toll free in Alberta 310-0000 then (403) 823-7707
Outside North America 1-403-823-7707
Emailtyrrell.info@gov.ab.ca
Please ask for the Bookings Office.
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4) Center for Biodiversity Alerts for Help to Stop Commercial Collection of Turtles in Tennessee and Arkansas
Canter for Biodiveristy has created an online action alert regarding Tennessee turtle harvest, to make it easier for individuals to send a message to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission.
See http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2167/t/5243/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=27781
Please have your conservation organization send in your own letter rather than a form letter - this will be much more effective with the commission. It is especially important for groups in Tennessee and neighboring states to weigh in.
Arkansas
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will also discuss our turtle harvest ban petition on Thursday, August 20th in Little Rock. See http://www.agfc.com/commission/commission-agenda.aspx. If you are in Arkansas, please attend this meeting and speak out for turtle protection!
Please write to the Arkansas Commission and urge a complete ban on commercial turtle harvest in Arkansas.
Commissioners:
shenderson@agfc.state.ar.us
brettmorgan@att.netlburns@stephensgroup.com
gdunklin@dunklingrain.com
ronpierce@suddenlink.net
Rick@TheWatkinsCompany.com
rduncan@agfc.state.ar.usemahony@suddenlinkmail.com
Talking points:
Contaminated turtles harvested in Arkansas are being sold domestically as food, and are exported in increasing numbers to international food markets. Many of these turtles are harvested from streams under fish advisories due to aquatic contaminants that are carcinogenic or harmful to humans, such as DDT, PCBs, pesticides, mercury, and other heavy metals. Turtles can bioaccumulate much greater levels of aquatic contaminants than fish. The consumption of contaminated turtles is a substantial public health risk.
Freshwater turtles cannot sustain any significant level of harvest from the wild without population crashes, because commercial collecting of wild turtles intensifies the effects of water pollution, road mortality, incidental take from fishing, and habitat loss, which are already causing turtle declines.
Interstate and international wildlife exporters and dealers are exploiting Arkansas laws allowing turtle harvest. State wildlife agencies in Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Alabama have recently prohibited commercial take of freshwater turtles from the wild due to turtle population crashes. Wildlife biologists from these states are recommending that neighboring states also prohibit harvest, since wildlife traffickers are stepping up harvest in unregulated states and illegally trapping turtles in states where they are protected and claiming they were collected in states where harvest is still legal.
Please act immediately to end all commercial harvest, sales and export of wild turtles, both from public and private waters, for wildlife protection and health reasons.
From - Jeff Miller/Conservation Advocate/Center for Biological Diversity351 California Street, Suite 600/San Francisco, CA 94104/Phone: (415) 436-9682 x303Fax: (415) 436-9683/Web site: www.biologicaldiversity.org
_____________________________________________________________________________
5) Hundreds Of New Species Discovered In Fragile Eastern HimalayasDecade Of Discovery Includes Prehistoric Gecko, Flying Frog And World's Second Smallest Deer
FULL REPORT can be found at the following address: http://www.divshare.com/download/8102140-6fa
PICTURES can be downloaded at the following address (Password: flying frog): https://intranet.panda.org/wwf_photos/index.cfm?albumId=3346
Press Release: 8/10/009Lee Poston , lee.poston@wwfus.org /(202) 495-4536
Washington, DC - Over 350 new species including the world's second smallest deer, a "flying frog" and a 100 million-year old gecko have been discovered in the Eastern Himalayas, a biological treasure trove now threatened by climate change.
A decade of research carried out by scientists in remote mountain areas endangered by rising global temperatures brought exciting discoveries such as a bright green frog that uses its red and long webbed feet to glide in the air.One of the most significant findings was not exactly "new" in the classic sense. A 100-million year-old gecko, the oldest fossil gecko species known to science, was discovered in an amber mine in the Hukawng Valley in the northern Myanmar.
The WWF report The Eastern Himalayas - Where Worlds Collide details discoveries made by scientists from various organizations between 1998 and 2008 in a region reaching across Bhutan and north-east India to the far north of Myanmar as well as Nepal and southern parts of Tibet Autonomus Region (China).
"The good news of this explosion in species discoveries is tempered by the increasing threats to the Himalayas' cultural and biological diversity," said Jon Miceler, Director of WWF's Eastern Himalayas Program. "This rugged and remarkable landscape is already seeing direct, measurable impacts from climate change and risks being lost forever."
In December world leaders will gather in Copenhagen to reach an agreement on a new climate deal, which will replace the existing Kyoto Protocol.The Eastern Himalayas- Where Worlds Collide describes more than 350 new species discovered - including 244 plants, 16 amphibians, 16 reptiles, 14 fish, 2 birds, 2 mammals and at least 60 new invertebrates.
The report mentions the miniature muntjac, also called the "leaf deer," which is the world's oldest and second smallest deer species. Scientists initially believed the small creature found in the world's largest mountain range was a juvenile of another species but DNA tests confirmed the light brown animal with innocent dark eyes was a distinct and new species.
The Eastern Himalayas harbor a staggering 10,000 plant species, 300 mammal species, 977 bird species, 176 reptiles, 105 amphibians and 269 types of freshwater fish. The region also has the highest density of Bengal tigers in the world and is the last bastion of the charismatic greater one-horned rhino.WWF is working to conserve the habitat of endangered species such as snow leopards, Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, red pandas, takin, golden langurs, Gangetic dolphins and one-horned rhinos.
Historically, the rugged and largely inaccessible landscape of the Eastern Himalayas has made biological surveys in the region extremely difficult. As a result, wildlife has remained poorly surveyed and there are large areas that are still biologically unexplored.
Today further species continue to be unearthed and many more species of amphibians,
Reptiles and fish are currently in the process of being officially named by scientists.
_____________________________________________________________________
6) So Snappy Together - Close Encounter ... Chico And His Best Mate 17 Foot CrocodileBy Virginia Wheeler, The Sun (U.K.), 8/17/09
IF you thought the legend of the horse whisperer was impressive, here's an animal tale with even more bite.
Rather than trying to tame wild stallions, fearless Costa Rican fisherman Chito prefers a playful wrestle in the water with his best pal Pocho - a deadly 17ft crocodile.
The 52-year-old daredevil draws gasps of amazement from onlookers by wading chest-deep into the water, then whistling for his 980lb buddy - and giving him an affectionate hug.
Crazy Chito says: "Pocho is my best friend. This is a very dangerous routine but we have a good relationship. He will look me in the eye and not attack me.
"It is too dangerous for anyone else to come in the water. It is only ever the two of us."
Chito made friends with the croc after finding him with a gunshot wound on the banks of the Central American state's Parismina river 20 years ago.
He had been shot in the left eye by a cattle farmer and was close to death.
But Chito enlisted the help of several pals to load the massive reptile into his boat.
He says: "When I found Pocho in the river he was dying, so I brought him into my house.
"He was very skinny, weighing only around 150lb. I gave him chicken and fish and medicine for six months to help him recover.
"I stayed by Pocho's side while he was ill, sleeping next to him at night. I just wanted him to feel that somebody loved him, that not all humans are bad.
"It meant a lot of sacrifice. I had to be there every day. I love all animals - especially ones that have suffered."
It took years before Chito felt that Pocho had bonded with him enough to get closer to the animal.
He says: "After a decade I started to work with him. At first it was slow, slow. I played with him a bit, slowly doing more.
"Then I found out that when I called his name he would come over to me."
At one point during his recovery, Chito left the croc in a lake near his house. But as he turned to walk away, to his amazement Pocho got out of the water and began to follow him home.
Chito recalls: "That convinced me the crocodile could be tame." But when he first fearlessly waded into the water with the giant reptile his family was so horrified they couldn't bear to watch. So instead, he took to splashing around with Pocho when they were asleep.
Four years ago Chito showed some of his tricks to friends, including getting the animal to close his eyes on command, and they convinced him to go public with a show.
Now he swims and plays with Pocho as well as feeding him at the lake near his home in the lowland tropical town of Sarapiqui.
The odd couple have now become a major tourist attraction, with several tour operators, including Crocodile Adventures, taking visitors on touring cruises to see the pair.
On the Crocodile Adventures website it describes the spectacle as: "One of the most amazing things that no cruise ship passenger will want to miss, the adventure show between the man and the crocodile."
American crocodiles, which inhabit North, Central and South America, can live to around 70 years old. It is estimated that Pocho is around 50 - almost the same age as his owner.
They are also said to be less aggressive than their Nile or Australian counterparts.
Chito, whose real name is Gilberto Shedden, was given his nickname by friends, who also call him "Tarzan Tico" - Tico being a familiar word for a Costa Rican.
And he certainly plays up to the name, wearing a tattered pair of leopard-print shorts for his half-hour performances with Pocho.
A keen conservationist, he also offers boat tours, where he eagerly points out a variety of wildlife.
But he only charges a few dollars to watch the breathtaking crocodile show, claiming he does not want to cash in on Pocho.
He says: "He's my friend, I don't want to treat him like a slave or exploit him.
"I am happy because I rescued him and he is happy with me because he has everything he needs."
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/features/2589865/Blokes-best-mate-is-a-crocodile.html
For photos and a video.
________________________________________________________________________7) The Wild's Creeping Killer - Cancer
Jul 27, 2009 , Newsweek
In 1999, wildlife disease specialist Thierry Work looked over the bow of his small whaler as it cut through a lagoon on the south side of Molokai, an island in Hawaii. On an emergent rock he saw a listless sea turtle, waiting to die.
"This guy was so weak that he just let us pick him up," says Work, who runs the National Wildlife Health Center'sHonolulu field station. "He was so emaciated that his ventral was completely disked in. You could fill him up with water and use him as a bowl." Like more than quarter of the green turtles Work has plucked from the water or found stranded on Hawaii's beaches, this one was covered with tumors on its eyes and mouth, dying from a poorly understood form of cancer.
Work's turtle is one of a wide array of species afflicted by a range of cancers, according to a paper published in the July and August editions of Nature Reviews Cancer. "Wildlife Cancer: a conservation perspective summarizes mounting evidence of human's contribution to carcinogenesis in wild-animal populations across the globe, thanks to man-made toxins dumped into wildlife's natural habitats. (For references to the specific articles see bottom of article)
"I am concerned that we as humans continue to impact the environment quite significantly," says Denise McAloose, the report's lead author and chief pathologist for the Wildlife Conservations Society's (WCS) Global Health Program. "As the human population continues to grow and utilize resources and damage the environment, I do believe that we will continue to see the emergence of disease, including cancer in wildlife."
On San Francisco's touristy Pier 39, the incessant barking of male sea lions and their harems of smaller females fills the air. Periodically Frances Gulland, the director of veterinary science at the Marine Mammal Center in neighboring Sausalito, receives calls from the pier reporting a sea lion crippled by tumors. Despite huge swelling on and around their hind flippers and anus, Gulland says the animals "mask their pain" in a last ditch effort to elude opportunistic predators. "You see that they have been struggling and struggling."
According to Gulland, 17 percent of the sea lions brought to the center die of renal failure or paralysis, caused when tumors linked to Otarine herpesvirus-1 travel up the genital tact and push against the kidney and spine. According to the Nature Reviews Cancer article, sea lions that died of genital carcinoma had an 85 percent higher concentration of toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in their system than other sea lions. (PCBs are toxic compounds used in coolants and electrical transformers.) Gulland points out that blubber samples of sea lions who died of cancer also show high concentrations of the pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), in part because many are born near the Channel Islands where 1,700 tons of the toxin were dumped prior to its ban in 1972.
For more information:
Nature Reviews Cancer 9, 517-526 (July 2009)
Science and society: Wildlife cancer: a conservation perspective
Denise McAloose1 & Alisa L. Newton1 s
Until recently, cancer in wildlife was not considered to be a conservation concern. However, with the identification of Tasmanian devil facial tumour disease, sea turtle fibropapillomatosis and sea lion genital carcinoma, it has become apparent that neoplasia can be highly prevalent and have considerable effects on some species. It is also clear that anthropogenic activities contribute to the development of neoplasia in wildlife species, such as beluga whales and bottom-dwelling fish, making them sensitive sentinels of disturbed environments.
(* In the version of this article initially published online and in print, table 1 on page 521 mistakenly indicated papillomavirus as the associated virus for flatback turtle (Natator depressus), olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), Kemp's ridley turtle (L. kempii) and hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). These entries have therefore been removed from the table.
Reference 154 has also been removed from the article because other references in the main text discuss the virus association in specific turtle species. Accordingly, references 155-162 have been renumbered as references 154-161. These errors have been corrected for the HTML and PDF versions of the article.)
Nature Reviews Cancer 9, 605 (August 2009)
Science and society : Wildlife cancer: a conservation perspective
Denise McAloose & Alisa L. Newton
Nature Reviews Cancer 9, 517-526 (2009)
In table 1 on page 521 of the above article, the associated virus for flatback turtle (Natator depressus), olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), Kemp's ridley turtle (L. kempii) and hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) was mistakenly indicated as papillomavirus. These entries have therefore been removed from the table. Reference 154 has also been removed from the article because other references in the main text discuss the virus association in specific turtle species. Accordingly, references 155-162 have been renumbered as references 154-161.
Author affiliations
1. Denise McAloose and Alisa L. Newton are at Pathology and Disease Investigation, Global Health Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York, New York 10460, USA.
Correspondence to: Denise McAloose1 Email: dmcaloose@wcs.org
_______________________________________________________________________
8) Bibliography of Issues of - IRCF Reptiles & Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History 16 (1) & (2) Two Issues Published So Far This Year. It's A Quarterly - Next Issue - Due Out Soon.
Copies of these two issues are available for sale ($8.00 each). Email Breck Batholomew at Breck Bartholomew, Bibliomania: breck@herplit.com
To subscribe and/or become a member go to http://www.ircf.org/
IRCF Reptiles & Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History 16 (1)
Ariano-Sanchez, Daniel and Lester Melendez. 2009. Arboreal alligator lizards in the genus Abronia : emeralds from the cloud forests of Guatemala. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (1): 24-27.
Burton, Fred. 2009. One species that will be saved: The Grand Canyon Cayman Blue Iguana. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (1): 38-41.
Colon Achilla, Alfredo D. 2009. Turning the tables: Lizard eats snake. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (1): 28.
Gagliardo, Ron. 2009. Beyond 2008 "Year of the Frog": The challenges facing amphibians and the amphibian ark. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (1): 29-37.
Grismer, Jesse L. 2009. Battle of the sexes: asexuality versus sexuality. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (1): 2-5.
Gutman, Al. 2009. Book Review: Animals Make Us Human. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (1): 54.
Mathis, Alicia and Adam Crane. 2009. Saving a giant salamader. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (1): 18-23.Perry, Gad and Robert Powell. 2009. The herpetofauna of Guana Island: an annotated checklist and treavelogue. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (1): 6-17.
Pieper, Lynner, Stesha Pasachnik and Kirsten Hines. 2009. Profile: John Iverson: Reseacher, Teacher, Friend. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (1): 48-53.
Rudman, Seth. 2009. Madagascar. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (1): 42-47.
IRCF Reptiles & Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History 16 (2)
Alvarado Z., Luis F. 2009. Project heloderma and project palearis: progress toward an In-situ reproduction center. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (2): 110-115.
Benton, Thomas H. 2009. Revisiting natural science. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (2): 102-106.
Brock, Jason. 2009. Keeping and breeding impressed tortoises (Manouria impressa). IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (2): 98-101.
Germano, Jen and Lisa Daglish. 2009. The plight of the world's most archaic frogs. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (2): 66-73.
Grismer, L. Lee, Norhayati Ahmad and Chan Kin Onn. 2009. New faces from ancient places: uncovering peninsular Malaysia's hidden lizard diversity part I: Geckos. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (2): 90-97.
Kacoliris, Federico P. 2009. Biology and conservation of the sand dune lizard (Liolaemus multimaculatus). IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (2): 74-81.
LaFee, Scott. 2009. Dead reckoning: Calculating the costs of an ongoing mass extinction. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (2): 106-109.
Mendelson III, Joseph R. 2009. Discovering and naming new species ofamphibians. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (2): 82-89.
Powell, Robert. 2009. Book Reviews: Mean and Lowly Things. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (2): 116.
Powell, Robert. 2009. Book Reviews: Wet Places. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians: Conservation and Natural History. 16 (2): 117.
________________________________________________________________________
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MORE ON BOOKS ----
Following the Water: A Hydromancer's NotebookNew Book by MacArthur Genius Award winner David M. Caroll, (author of the now classics, "The Year of the Turtles," Self-Portrait with Turtles, and Swampwalker's Journal (Author And Illustrator)
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009, 208 pages,
HerpDigest will have available a limited number of autographed copies. Only $24.00 plus &7.50 for S&H within the U.S.
Synopsis
The writer, naturalist, and artist David Carroll illuminates the ecology and life histories the tree frogs, hawks, foxes, and the increasingly rare wood and spotted turtles he has been tracking for decades with the precision and passion that won him a 2006 MacArthur "genius" award.
Following the Water is the intensely observed chronicle of Carroll's annual March-to-November wetlands immersion-from the joy of the first turtle sighting in March to the gorgeously described, vibrant trilling of tree frogs ("lichen with eyes") in late May to the ancient sense of love and loss Carroll experiences each autumn when it is time once again to part with open water.
Illustrated with the author's fine pen-and-ink drawings, Following theWater is a gorgeous evocation of nature, an utterly unique "admission ticket to a secret corner of the world" (Bill McKibben).
REVIEW
From Publishers WeeklyIn this sensuous nature journal, MacArthur genius award winner Carroll (The Year of the Turtle) follows the inhabitants of his local New Hampshire wetlands through a season of turtle life from March thaw, when the turtles wake from hibernation, to November, when ice puts them back to sleep, along the way celebrating such personal holy days as the Return of the Red-winged Blackbird. Wearing camouflage and waders, he meets wildlife on its own terms. At the sudden appearance of a red doe, he wonders, to have those senses-would I trade my thinking, dreaming, imagining mind for them for one full day... would I ever want to come back? He watches a thirsty turtle hatchling encountering water for the first time: he extends his neck full length, immerses his head, closes his eyes and drinks for 21 minutes. Accompanied by Carroll's own exquisite drawings, this poetic recording of his season of loving observation is subdued by Carroll's dread of habitat destruction and nostalgia for a !boyhood when I entered waters that, if not alive themselves, were so filled with light and life that my binding with them was as much metaphysical as physical.
Biography
DAVID M. CARROLL is the author of The Year of the Turtle, Trout Reflections, Self-Portrait with Turtles, and Swampwalker's Journal, which won the prestigious John Burroughs Medal. In 2006 he won a MacArthur "genius" award for his work as a writer, artist, and naturalist. Carroll has been featured on Today (where he reached down into swampy water, miraculously pulled up a turtle he knew, and told her history), in numerous newspapers and magazines, and in the most popular documentary in the history of New Hampshire public television. He is an active lecturer and consultant to conservation institutions throughout New England.
AND
Lizards of the American Southwest, (Includes 5 Mexican States) edited by Lawrence Jones and Robert Lovich,560 pages, Rivo Neuvo Publishers, Tucson, AZ, Official publication date -September 2009, English, Over 400 color photos,
An amazing bargain at only $24.95 Plus $5.00 for shipping and handling in the U.S. (sent media mail, delivery confirmation).
Order now. HerpDigest has a limited amount of copies autographed by the editors. Do it now to insure you get one of the copies.
Product DescriptionLizards of the American Southwest covers all 96 species found in California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and Texas west of the Pecos River. Also four Mexican states: Baja California, Baja California sur, Sonora and Chihuahua.
Learn where to find lizards and how to identify them. Includes detailed information on habitat, natural history, taxonomy, viewing tips, laws and regulations, conservation, plus hundreds of photos, illustrations, and maps.
77 experts contributed to this book making it the most comprehensive guide to Lizards of the Southwest.
Includes checklist by state (U.S. and Mexico) which lizards by scientific name, common English name and Spanish Standard vernacular. Mexican vernacular.
About the AuthorsLawrence Jones has a BS and MS in zoology from California State University, Long Beach, and has worked for 25 years in the research and management branches of the USDA Forest Service and other public agencies. Larry has over 60 scientific and popular publications, including two books on amphibians of the Pacific Northwest.
Robert Lovich is a herpetologist with over a decade of experience working in the southwestern United States. He will soon complete his PhD. at Loma Linda University on the conservation genetics of the endangered Arroyo Toad. Robert has strong interests in the natural history and evolution of reptiles and amphibians, and a long list of peer-reviewed publications.
(IF YOU ARE OVERSEAS -WHICH INCLUDES CANADA AND MEXICO-EMAIL US FIRST FOR SHIPPING COSTS.).
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