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Born in New York City on November 15th, 1962, Joe received his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Kansas in 1984, and was awarded his Doctoral Degree from the University of Miami (Coral Gables) in 1991, working under his major professor, Jay Savage. Other academic appointments included a Postdoctoral Fellow (morphological systematics of elapid snakes), National Museum of Natural History (1991-92); Postdoctoral Research Associate (molecular systematics of elapid snakes), Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University (1992-94); Instructor of Biology, Louisiana State University (1994-96); Instructor of Biology, Southeastern Louisiana University (1996-97). His principal research interests were herpetology (especially venomous snakes), molecular evolution, and phylogenetic analysis. He authored numerous scientific articles as well as one book, Introduction to Genetics, published in 1998 by NTC. He was editor-in-chief and co-founder (in 1997) of the first online herpetological journal, Contemporary Herpetology, and a member of the editorial board of Systematic Biology. Prior to his death, he was collaborating with Robin Lawson, Director of the Academy's Osher Laboratory, on several studies of the molecular phylogenetics of snakes, incorporating both mitochondrial and nuclear genes. He was conducting a comprehensive survey of the herpetofauna of Myanmar. In addition, Joe was part of a large project involving a number of other Academy scientists and several institutions in Yunnan, China, to survey the biodiversity of the western part of the Yunnan Province, specifically a mountain range known as the Gaoligongshan. Joe had previously taped two National Geographic specials (during which, he received a dry bite from a monocled cobra and had venom streamed into his eyes by a new species of spitting cobra that he ultimately described). Joe had recently been awarded a two million dollar grant from the National Science Foundation, to extend his work across the Myanmar border, into China. The Joseph B. Slowinski Award for Excellence in Snake Systematics has been established by the Board of Directors of The Center for North American Herpetology (CNAH) as a trust in perpetuity in recognition of the scientific achievements of the late Joseph B. Slowinski. CNAH expresses its sympathy and support to the family and friends of Joe Slowinski. Our young and well established colleague will be missed by all of the herpetological community. Joe is survived by his parents, Martha Crow of Brooklyn, New York, and Ron Slowinski of Kansas City, Missouri, and his sister, Rachel Slowinski of Los Angeles, California. Articles and accounts about Joe's tragic death have appeared; two can be accessed online at:Actinemys Access
Wednesday, March 28, 2007: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
CNAH RESEARCH REQUEST Number 123
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
28 March 2007
WESTERN POND TURTLES WANTED
A colleague and I have been looking without success for Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata) survey protocols. Our survey site is a pond that is roughly 100 yards long and about 75 yards wide at the widest part. We have found diving protocols for turtle surveys in rivers, but were wondering if there were sources of information on turtle survey protocols specifically for ponds and lakes.
We thank everyone in advance for their advice or information concerning this request.
Foung Vang
California State University, Fresno
Graduate Student
fvang@esrp.csustan.edu
Ambystoma Data Request
Thursday, May 19, 2005: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
CNAH RESEARCH REQUEST Number 44
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
19 May 2005
Ambystoma Data Request
I am looking for information on the relationship between clutch size and body size in the Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) and am finding little except one reference (Woodward 1982). Does anyone have data they would be willing to share for A. maculatum or any closely related ambystomatid or know of references I might have missed? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I can be contacted at:
Nancy E. Karraker
Doctoral Candidate
Department of Environmental and Forest Biology
350 Illick Hall
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Syracuse, New York 13210
nekarrak@syr.edu
(315) 470-6754
Aspidoscelis Assistance
Monday, July 31, 2006: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
CNAH RESEARCH REQUEST Number 91
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
31 July 2006
ASPIDOSCELIS ASSISTANCE ASKED
I am a graduate student in the Biology Department at the University of Michigan at Flint. I am studying the origin and natural history of the Six-lined Racerunner population in Michigan for my thesis. I plan to collect blood from this population in order to perform a molecular analysis, but I also need blood samples from other populations throughout the United States. I would appreciate hearing from anyone willing to share blood/tissue samples. Any assistance would be gratefully acknowledged.
Contact
Teresa Carlson
teresay@umflint.edu
C. atrox Released in Kansas
Friday, July 18, 2003: Hays, Kansas - Hays Daily News
DANGEROUS DIAMONDBACKS RELEASED IN KANSAS
by Travis W. Taggart
Five species of venomous snakes are native to Kansas; these are the Copperhead, Cottonmouth, Massasauga (a rattlesnake), Prairie Rattlesnake, and Timber Rattlesnake. Each species occupies its own unique range within the state. However, there many regions of the state where these distributions overlap. In many places in eastern Kansas, up to three of the species listed may be found within close proximity to one another.
Fortunately, the assemblage of native venomous snakes in Kansas is a relatively benign group. Fewer than fifty bites to humans are reported each year in Kansas, and of those individuals bitten, few retain any debilitating effects from the bite, and death resulting from snakebite in Kansas is almost unheard of (only one death in the last half century). This is not to say that venomous snakes should be taken lightly. Live venomous snakes should be left alone and any bite should be examined by qualified medical help as soon as possible.
But Kansas now has a problem. Recently, a truly giant venomous alien serpent has become a more frequent discovery right in the middle of Kansas at Kanopolis State Park in Ellsworth County. Since 1991, no less than eight Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes have been collected and removed from the Park. The latest snake was discovered earlier this summer by some hikers in the Horsethief Canyon area of the park, and delivered to the Sternberg Museum by Research Associate Curtis Schmidt through arrangements with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
The discovery of liberated alien venomous snakes into Kansas is not without precedent. Single specimens of released or escaped Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes have occasionally turned up in Cherokee, Cowley, Crawford, Ellis, Lyon, and Sumner counties. A population of Cottonmouths was established for a short time during the mid 1970's in the Verdigris River between Independence and Coffeyville. And a Mojave Rattlesnake was collected from a quarry in Leavenworth County in 1980. The release of non-native wildlife such as the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake into Kansas poses needless threats to both the ecology of the state and to outdoor enthusiasts alike. It is also illegal.
The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is large. Average specimens are between three and four feet in length with exceptional specimens reaching lengths of seven feet. They are native to the North American southwest and have a wide range that encompasses an area from northern Mexico into west central Arkansas and west into southeast California. Isolated populations also occur in southern Mexico. The specimens discovered at Kanopolis State Park are approximately150 miles north of their natural range.
Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes are often quick to crawl away when approached, but will immediately coil and aggressively stand their ground should they be threatened. Their relatively large size means they also have proportionately longer fangs, a considerable quantity of venom to inject, and an increased striking distance. These factors contribute to the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake being responsible for more serious snakebites and fatalities than any other North American reptile. In Texas alone, this species is responsible for the majority of the more than 1,400 cases of snakebite reported each year and for most fatalities. A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake from Kanopolis State Park has already left a Kansas victim without the full use of a hand following intensive care after being bitten.
The origin and status of the Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes at Kanopolis State Park is unknown. Joseph Collins, Adjunct Curator of Herpetology at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History and Executive Director of The Center for North American Herpetology (CNAH), believes that this species is being released at Kanopolis State Park. According to him, the most telling evidence of this illegal release is that these snakes have been discovered consistently, yet only recently (1991 to date), despite intensive searching in the Kanopolis area by biologists since the early 1900s. It is not known how many or how often they are being released or who is releasing them. Fortunately, despite the fact that Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes have been turning up regularly at Kanopolis State Park since 1991, there is no evidence that a breeding population has become established. Future monitoring of the area could help address these questions. Tissues taken from the recently discovered snake hold promise for ultimately determining its source locality. DNA extracted from such tissue can be compared to DNA obtained from Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes throughout their range, and can be tested for genetic relatedness or similarity.
Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes have been collected in Oklahoma, reportedly within 15-50 miles of the Kansas border. While, it is possible that natural populations of this species may eventually be discovered along the Kansas/Oklahoma border in Comanche and Barber counties, the lack of such a discovery over the last century indicates that it is not native to Kansas.Diadophis Dermis Desired
Tuesday, November 23, 2004: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
CNAH RESEARCH REQUEST Number 17
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
23 November 2004
Diadophis Dermis Desired
Frank Fontanella, a graduate student at The City University of New York, working under Frank Burbrink, is conducting a range-wide phylogeographic study of the Ringneck Snake, Diadophis punctatus. He wishes to obtain tissues and shed skins from this species. Any samples that the herpetological community could provide would be greatly appreciated. Before shipping tissues, contact Frank at:
ffontanella@gc.cuny.edu
Mailing address for shed skins:
Frank M. Fontanella
College of Staten Island/CUNY
6S-143
2800 Victory Boulevard
Staten Island, New York 10314
Eurycea Data Needed
Friday, July 15, 2005: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
CNAH RESEARCH REQUEST Number 2
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
www.cnah.org
15 July 2004
EURYCEA DATA NEEDED
Robert D. Davic (Ohio Environmental Protection Agency) is interested in a specific life history aspect of larvae from the Two-lined Salamander complex (Eurycea bislineata, E. cirrigera, E. wilderae). He would like to talk to any herpetologist that has observed the larvae of these species outside flowing water habitat, either in nature or in captivity. He also has an interest in knowing if anyone has conducted experiments on burrowing activity for these larvae. He is aware that some salamander larvae have been observed in nature away from water (e.g., Desmognathus fuscus), but is not aware of any similar observations for Two-lined Salamander larvae.
If you can contribute to Dr. Davic's research, please contact him at
robert.davic@epa.state.oh.us
or
(330) 963-1132
Hemidactylium History
Thursday, March 03, 2005: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
CNAH RESEARCH REQUEST Number 31
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
3 March 2005
Help with Hemidactylium History
I am currently working on a graduate thesis examining genetic divergence in Four-toed Salamanders throughout their entire range in the United States and Canada. Mississippi's location at the periphery of the species range makes those populations of Hemidactylium of particular interest to my project. I am hoping to sample a few areas in that state during the nesting season this year and am looking to find more specific information about locales in Mississippi and dates when females are likely to be found on eggs along the Gulf Coast.
Historical records for the species indicate a distribution in the lower Pearl River Valley of Mississippi, although until now I have been unable to find any specific collection location data pertaining to those records. I recently located two preserved animals in the Tulane University collection with the following data:
*****
Cat No. 4245. Bassfield, Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi. Collected 25 November 1930 by A. Cruz (Bassfield is located in Jefferson Davis County; additional information would be helpful.)
Cat No. 18452. Polk Creek Ht 4.7 mi S St. Hwy. 8 towards Langley on road that turns south from Hwy. 8 about 11 mi E of Big Fork, Montgomery County, Mississippi. Collected 3 April 1953 by Alex Faberge (I could not locate any of the aforementioned landmarks in Montgomery or surrounding counties on a USGS topo, aside from State Highway 8 in Grenada County to the north.)
*****
I contacted the Mississippi Museum of Natural History and they have no records for the species in their collections and have no known localities in Mississippi, aside from these two records which I recently passed along to them. If you have any information about the species in Mississippi, or know of anyone who might be able to help, I would be very interested.
Please note that no animals will be killed for this study. Genetic material in the form of tail samples will be taken followed by immediate release at the site of capture. Thank you in advance for any assistance you might be able to provide.
Timothy A. Herman
Masters Program, Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics
Department of Biological Sciences
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, Ohio 43403
(school): taherma@bgnet.bgsu.edu
(work): timothy.herman@toledozoo.org
(personal): taherman@gmail.com
Holbrookia Help
Monday, July 17, 2006: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
CNAH RESEARCH REQUEST Number 88
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
17 July 2006
HOLBROOKIA HELP
I am a graduate student in Dr. Allan Larson's laboratory at Washington University and a part of my doctoral work is on the phylogeography of Earless Lizards (Cophosaurus and Holbrookia). I have a significant collection of Holbrookia from the southwestern U.S. but am in need of tissues from Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska. I would appreciate making contact with anyone that may have tissues or would know of specific localities where Holbrookia have been observed recently and where I could collect. I will secure the appropriate scientific collecting permits for any field work. Please contact me at
rblaine@biology2.wustl.edu
Russell Blaine
Washington University
St. Louis, Missouri
Holbrookia Hurting
Monday, October 30, 2006: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
30 October 2006
WHERE HAVE THE HOLBROOKIA GONE?
Travis W. Taggart
2006. Journal of Kansas Herpetology 19: 10.
Once abundantly (albeit spottily) distributed throughout the western two-thirds of Kansas, the Lesser Earless Lizard (Holbrookia maculata) has all but disappeared in Kansas within the past ten years.
*****
This article can be viewed or downloaded at the CNAH PDF Library at
http://www.cnah.org/cnah_pdf.asp
In Memoriam: A. Stanley Rand
Wednesday, November 30, 2005: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
30 November 2005
A. STANLEY RAND (1933-2005)
Washington Post Service
He pursued the love songs of frogs
A. Stanley Rand, a Smithsonian staff scientist known for his research in herpetology, died of complications from cancer November14, 2005, at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. He was 73.
Rand spent 33 years in Panama at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. His work on frogs and lizards built him an international reputation, colleagues said, and he made significant contributions in animal communication, territoriality, sexual selection and anti-predator systems.
A prolific writer, he published his first scientific article in 1944, when he was 12 years old and presumably assisting his father, a well-known ornithologist, in Canada.
His next publication occurred in 1950, while he was working as an 18-year-old assistant in the division of amphibians and reptiles at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. He wrote or edited more than 150 scientific articles and books, including "Ecology of a Tropical Forest: Seasonal Rhythms and Long-Term Changes" (1982) and "Iguanas of the World: Their Behavior, Ecology and Conservation" (1982).
His research on occasion burst out of the intensely observed world of scientific publications and into the mass media. His work was written up several times in The New York Times, including in a 1977 series on the creative process of scientific research. In 1995, his study on the evolving songs of tzngara frogs attracted the attention of a Dallas Morning News writer, who waxed poetic over the mating calls of amphibians.
Rand was born in Seneca Falls, New York, the son of a world-traveled ornithologist father and herpetologist mother. He grew up in Lake Placid, Florida, Ottawa, Canada, and Chesterton, Indiana, and graduated from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana.
*****
CNAH expresses its sympathy and support to the family and friends of A. Stanley Rand. He will be missed by all of the herpetological community.
In Memoriam: Alison Haskell
Monday, December 18, 2006: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
18 December 2006
In Memoriam: Alison Haskell (1956-2006)
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service family and conservation community lost a very special friend yesterday. Alison Haskell died peacefully at her home in Ashfield, Massachusetts in the company of her husband John Rosseel and family and friends.
Alison Haskell was born on December 26, 1956 in Berkeley, California, and grew up on the coast of Massachusetts. She received a B.S. and M.S. in wildlife biology from the University of New Hampshire and University of Massachusetts, respectively. Her masters thesis focused on population ecology of the Plymouth Redbelly Turtle (Pseudemys rubriventris). She studied at Tufts University Veterinary School where she also worked as the chief veterinary technician at the Wildlife Clinic for five years, and became noted for her exceptional ability in handling raptors. In 1993 she joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a Wildlife Research Specialist in the Division of Federal Aid. Alison's passion for wildlife may have been exceeded only by her compassion for her fellow humans, and she channeled that professionally by becoming adept at conflict resolution and facilitation. She assisted many Service and State fish and wildlife agency programs as a trainer and facilitator. She left Federal Aid in 2003 to become the national coordinator for Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC).
Alison was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer in late 2002, and upon the insistence of her physicians, took a medical retirement from the Service to focus on treatment and recovery. Despite an unbelievably grueling regimen of surgeries and chemotherapy, Alison formed a non-profit organization, Cures for Ovarian Cancer, to advocate for early detection screening which is not currently a part of routine physical examinations for women or provided for in health care plans. Her campaign took her far and wide speaking to audiences to increase awareness.
An accomplished artist specializing in water color, Alison also formed the non-profit Northeast Wildlife Heritage to raise funds for conservation efforts in the northeast through sale of her art and other crafts she produced.
Alison is survived by her husband John, her parents, two sisters and a brother, and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves her two beloved Corgis, Ursa and Ri, named for two of her favorite constellations, Ursa Minor (the little dipper) and Orion (the hunter) and her horse Cody. She leaves a network of friends who she touched deeply with her ability to make others feel good. Alison's spirit will be with us on starry nights when Ursa Minor and Orion grace the sky, but those who knew her well will feel her presence when the planet Venus rises, the diminutive planet that burns brightest.
CNAH Note: Received from PARC. Author unknown.
In Memoriam: David Morafka
Wednesday, February 04, 2004: California - David Morafka died on Thursday, January 13th 2004, at his home after a long struggle with pancreatic cancer. David made remarkable contributions to western herpetology and was especially known for his pathfinding studies on the conservation of the Bolson Tortoise in Mexico, the biology of Desert Tortoise hatchlings and neonates, and his work on the Panamint Alligator Lizard. He was a scientist of immense integrity and will be greatly missed.
Dr. Morafka was a staunch supporter of public outreach and gave many presentations at California Turtle and Tortoise Club meetings over a three decade period. He was a major catalyst in stimulating the involvement of many of herpetologists in chelonian conservation.
His wife, Sylvia, has made a request for no flowers, but for donations to be made to the Democratic Party.
There will be a Celebration of Life in Dr. Morafka's honor at the Desert Tortoise Council Symposium in February 2004. For details contact Kristin Berry at
kristin_berry@usgs.gov
The CNAH Board of Directors extends its sincere sympathy to the Morafka family and friends.
In Memoriam: Edmond Malnate
Saturday, February 07, 2004: Burlington County Times
Edmond V. Malnate, 87, of Medford passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2003 at Virtua West Jersey Hospital in Marlton. Born in Quincy Massachusetts, he resided in Medford for many years. Edmond served in the US Army during WWII. He worked as a Graphic Artist and Art Director for several Advertising Agencies, before becoming the Art Director at Ullman Advertising Agency in Philadelphia . His avocation was in the field of Herpetology, which earned him a grant to study in Europe. Ed was made a member of Sigma Xi in 1975, a society for the promotion of research in the scientific field. After his retirement from the art field, he continued his studies and research at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. Ed was a gentle, curious man who helped contribute much to the knowledge of natricine snakes. Son of the late Edmond and Mary Malnate; father of the late Edmond A. Malnate; he is survived by his wife Georgette A. Malnate; and other close friends and neighbors.
The CNAH Board of Directors extends its sincere sympathy to the Malnate family and friends.
In Memoriam: Ernst Mayr
Friday, February 04, 2005: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
In Memoriam: Ernst Mayr 1904-2005
Ernst Mayr, a Harvard University evolutionary biologist called "the Darwin of the 20th century," has died, the school said Friday. He was 100. Mayr died peacefully on Thursday, February 3, 2005, near his home in Bedford, Massachusetts. Born in 1904 in Kempten, Germany, Mayr earned a medical degree from the University of Greifswald in 1925. Descended from generations of doctors, he broke off his medical career and turned his attention to zoology, earning a doctorate from the University of Berlin just 16 months later.
His family will convene a private memorial service soon at the assisted-living facility where Ernst had lived for the past several years. A more formal, public memorial will be scheduled for the Harvard campus, probably in April.
Ernst lived a very full and long life (100 years as of last July), but still will be missed by all who knew him and his work. He is survived by two daughters, five grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.
The CNAH Board of Directors extends its sympathies to the family of Ernst Mayr.
In Memoriam: G. W. Folkerts
Tuesday, December 18, 2007: St. George Island, Florida - CNAH
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
18 December 2007
IN MEMORIAM GEORGE W. FOLKERTS (1938 – 2007)
George W. Folkerts was born on 26 November 1938 and died 14 December 2007 at his residence. He was a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Auburn University for the past 38 years. He earned a B.A. degree in zoology and a M.A. degree in botany from Southern Illinois University and a Ph.D. in herpetology from Auburn University. During his career as a teacher and researcher, George studied every aspect of nature. His comprehensive knowledge of the plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates inhabiting the southeastern United States was second to none, and he was a renowned expert in the ecology of disappearing habitat types and declining species. George's passion for conserving nature made him a leader for local, state, and national conservation efforts.
Part of his legacy for these efforts was his being honored by having multiple native species named after him, including most recently the Dwarf Blackbelly Salamander (Desmognathus folkertsi).
In the late 1990s, he led a successful effort to save Auburn University's Davis Arboretum from building encroachment and ensure its preservation as a sanctuary from native plants.
During his tenure as a faculty member at Auburn University, George was a dedicated teacher who loved teaching and was loved by his students. He won numerous teaching awards and exposed countless students to the wonders of the natural world both in the classroom and field. His courses were truly inspirational and his classroom teaching style was one in which students were simultaneously challenged and made to feel comfortable in the presence of a friend or mentor. He has successfully trained many graduate students who have gone on to secure positions as teachers and scientists across the United States.
George was kind to all who met him, generous with the time he offered to others, and humble despite his exceptional accomplishments. He had a magnetic personality that enlivened every gathering and made him a beloved member in the local community. He is survived by his loving wife, Debbie, his sister, Trudy, his daughters, Molly and Merrill, and his son, Evan.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to The Nature Conservancy, or plant a native tree in Memory of George.
In Memoriam: George Dalrymple
Friday, January 07, 2005: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
In Memoriam: George Dalrymple 1948-2005
George Dalrymple died at the age of 56 at home on January 5, 2005, 22 months after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer. George was born June 12, 1948 in Staten Island, New York, to Edwin and Averine Dalrymple.
From an early age, he knew he wanted to be a herpetologist. He received his Bachelors degree in Zoology from Rutgers University in 1971, and his PhD in Zoology from the University of Toronto in 1975. He was an assistant professor at The Ohio State University for five years. In 1980, he accepted a position as an associate professor of biology at Florida International University so that he could study the ecology and herpetofauna of the Everglades.
In 1998, he left FIU to work for his own biological consulting firm, Everglades Research Group, Inc. Throughout his career, George always volunteered his time to environmental issues in Miami-Dade County, Everglades National Park, and the State of Florida.
For the past five years, he continued to volunteer his time as a board member of the Florida Wildlife Federation, and the Biff Lampton Memorial/Homestead Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. George sought to preserve natural areas simply for the belief that there should be wild places and wild things.
George is survived by his son Alexander (Coconut Grove), daughter Claire (Perrine), wife Nancy (Homestead), his adopted children, Dixie, Ruger, and Ceili (Homestead), and wild turkeys in Everglades National Park.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Florida Wildlife Federation, P. O. Box 6870, Tallahassee, Florida 32314
In Memoriam: George McDuffie
Tuesday, April 17, 2007: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
17 April 2007
IN MEMORIAM: GEORGE THOMAS MCDUFFIE (1927-2007)
George T. McDuffie, a well-known Ohio herpetologist, passed away on 15 April 2007 at the Clermont Nursing and Convalescent Center in southwestern Ohio. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on 25 August 1927, George received his Bachelors (1952), Masters (1956), and Doctoral degrees (1960) from the University of Cincinnati, the latter doing research on the natural history of Copperheads in the Buckeye State. His research on these serpents was published in 1963 [Studies on the size, pattern and coloration of the Northern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen Daudin) in Ohio. Journal of the Ohio Herpetological Society 4: 15-22]. He was one of the founding members of the now disbanded Ohio Herpetological Society (1958-1966).
During the 1950s and 1960s, George mentored many a young aspiring herpetologist in southwestern Ohio, and most of them experienced their first real snake hunt in the field under his watchful eye. He is remembered for his well-developed sense of humor, and on field trips to Shawnee State Forest in southern Ohio, many students and colleagues on their first field trip with him listened in stunned silence to the plethora of risqué limericks that he sang with such gusto and joy (and which they eventually memorized and sang also). More importantly, he took the time and made the effort to teach them how to find amphibians, turtles, and reptiles, and much of what they know today about field herpetology can be traced directly back to George.
At the first Shawnee Herpetological Weekend held at Shawnee State Forest in May 2006, keynote speaker Joseph T. Collins (who grew up in Cincinnati and was mentored during his teenage years by George) dedicated the event to George McDuffie, and spoke fondly of his influence. He recalled a trademark ditty that George invariably sang on field trips, and that in time all who regularly accompanied him knew by heart. With belated apologies to the parents of the young herpetologists he so strongly influenced, it went like this:
"The beer was spilled on the barroom floor,
and the bar was closed for the night.
When from out of his hole came a little old mouse
to sit in the pale moonlight.
Oh, he lapped up the beer on the barroom floor,
and back on his haunches he sat.
And all night long you could hear him roar,
bring on that old damned cat."
*****
George is survived by his beloved wife, Patrica, two children, Mark and Jennifer, a sister, Mathilda, and a brother, Edward. Another brother, Roy, preceded him in death. Memorial contributions should be sent to the
Torch Lake Protection Alliance
P. O. Box 706
Bellaire, Michigan 49615
*****
The CNAH Board of Directors extends its sympathies to the family and many, many friends of George McDuffie.
In Memoriam: George T. Baxter
Tuesday, April 26, 2005: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
In Memoriam George T. Baxter (1919-2005)
George Baxter, age 86, died Sunday, March 20, 2005, at his home in Green Valley, Arizona. He was born in Grover, Colorado, on March 19, 1919.
He attended high school in Burns and in 1937 he enrolled at the University of Wyoming. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from University of Wyoming and began his teaching career as a zoology instructor in l947. In l951, he earned a PhD from the University of Michigan and returned to Laramie where he taught zoology and physiology for 35 years at the University of Wyoming. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942-1945.
Throughout his career and into his retirement in l984, he earned a national reputation as a distinguished scholar and the acknowledged expert on fish, reptiles, turtles, and amphibians of Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain Region. His books on these subjects are still considered standard references in these fields of study. He received many awards for his teaching and scholarship, including the University of Wyoming College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Alumni Award in l995. The latest award given to him was the Department of Interior Conservation Service Award; the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a private citizen by the Secretary of Interior of the U.S. for his work with the recovery efforts for the endangered Wyoming Toad.
He is best known outside of Wyoming in the scientific community as a herpetologist. As senior author, he collaborated with Michael D. Stone to write two editions (1980, 1985) of "Amphibians and Reptiles of Wyoming," and in 1968 was given signal recognition by his colleague, Kenneth Porter, who named the Wyoming Toad in his honor as Bufo baxteri.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Phyllis; a daughter Judy, a son Richard, and his wife Collette, a daughter Linda, a grandson Chris, granddaughters Lisa Fachon and Erin, and great-grandsons Vincent and Zachary.
A memorial celebration is planned in Laramie sometime in July. Donations may be made to the George T. Baxter Fellowship, Department of Zoology and Physiology, Department No. 3166, 1000 East University Avenue, Laramie, Wyoming 82071.
*****
The CNAH Board of Directors expresses its sympathy to the family, friends, and colleagues of George Baxter.
In Memoriam: Henri C. Seibert
Monday, October 13, 2003: Athens, Ohio - Ohio University
Henri (Hank) Cleret Seibert, one of the earliest members of the Ohio Herpetological Society and a longtime officer of the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, died of a stroke on 7 October 2003.
He was born 15 July 1915, the son of the late George K. and Louise Cleret Seibert in Caen, Normandy, France, and moved to Baltimore, Maryland, when he was six years old. In addition to his wife, Alice White Seibert, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage, he is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Peter K. and Marjorie Seibert of Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts, Michael W. and Diantha Seibert of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, a daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth C. and Richard Purcell of Malvern, Pennsylvania, and four grandchildren.
He attended Haverford College in Pennsylvania and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree cum laude in Biology in 1937. During this time, he was active in the Natural History Society of Maryland and published several ornithological and natural history papers in the Bulletin of that organization.
Seibert earned his Master of Science Degree in Human Biology (School of Hygiene and Public Health) in 1940 at Johns Hopkins University, working under the direction of Raymond Pearl. His thesis, Observations on the Somatic Constitution of Mothers with and without Infant Mortality among their Progeny, was published in Human Biology in 1940. After that, he worked as a biologist for one year at Cold Spring Harbor in New York and published two papers on the genetics of human hair size and shape in the Journal of Heredity, 1941-1942.
Seibert entered the doctoral program at the University of Illinois (Urbana) in 1941, but World War II interrupted his studies. During the period of 1943-1946, he was a biologist researching the effects of radiation on living organisms with the then top-secret Manhattan Project (atomic bomb development) under the football stadium at the University of Chicago. His doctoral dissertation The Relation of Photoperiod and Temperature to Food and Water Consumption, Variations in Weight and Molt in Birds, was completed in 1947 under the direction of Drs. Kendeigh and Shelford.
Seibert came to Ohio University in Athens in 1947 as an Assistant Professor of Zoology. During the next 37 years as a faculty member, he taught herpetology, ecology, and ornithology as well as other courses. He worked his way up the academic ladder becoming a Full Professor in 1961 and served as Chairman of the Department of Zoology from 1962 to 1967. His research on the wildlife of Ohio was funded by numerous grants from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (Wildlife Division) and the Wayne National Forest.
Seibert was Curator of the Vertebrate Collections in the Museum of Zoology, a task he inherited from Professor Hershel T. Gier, who had established the teaching/research collection earlier in the 1930s. The collections grew under Seibert's direction as he led many natural history trips to both the southeastern and southwestern United States. The collections of fishes, amphibians, turtles, and reptiles are especially important in documenting biodiversity in southeastern Ohio. He was also active in the Hocking Valley Audubon Society.
Seibert directed 23 Masters Degree Theses at Ohio University. The majority of these concerned the biology of amphibians, birds, turtles, and reptiles. Seibert published approximately 50 papers in scientific journals; too many to list. His interests were broad, as reflected by publications in herpetology, ecology, ornithology, mammalogy, entomology, ecological physiology, reproduction, embryology, limnology, ichthyology, human genetics, anthropology, and natural history. He was one of the earliest supporters of the Ohio Herpetological Society and has held several offices in the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (Board of Directors, 1962-1967; Publication Secretary, 1967-1976; Treasurer, 1970-1987; President, 1989). His lifelong interest and enthusiasm in birds and butterflies kept him active, especially in his retirement years. In recent years, he also was a volunteer at both the Ohio University and University of Delaware Libraries.
Two of Seibert's Masters Degree students left Ohio University to earn Doctoral Degrees elsewhere and to develop professional careers in herpetology. Ronald A. Brandon's Masters Thesis (1958), A Study of the Salamanders of Southeastern Ohio, was published (1960) by Seibert and Brandon. David M. Sever's Masters Thesis (1971), Geographic Variation of Eurycea bislineata (Caudata: Plethodontidae) in the Upper Ohio Valley was published (1972) in Herpetologica. Seibert's most recent herpetological publications were species accounts on Cryptobranchus alleganiensis and Ambystoma opacum in the "Salamanders of Ohio" (Ralph Pfingsten and Floyd Downs, editors, Ohio Biological Survey Bulletin, 1989).
The officers and board of directors of The Center for North American Herpetology express their sympathies to Dr. Seibert's family and close friends. He was a wonderful person, and will be missed by so many.
In Memoriam: Hymen Marx
Wednesday, February 28, 2007: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
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28 February 2007
IN MEMORIAM HYMEN MARX (1925-2007)
Hymen Marx, husband of Audrey (nee Greene), father of Michael Marx and Nancy (David) Ruesch, grandfather of Melissa, Stephanie and Devyn Joy Ruesch, died on 25 January 2007 in Sun City, Arizona. Hymen Marx was born on 27 June 1925 in Chicago, was a WWII Veteran, and was the Curator of Herpetology at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, Illinois, for 42 years. He was a renown snake biologist and published numerous scientific papers during his distinguished career.
Memorial contributions in his name should be made to the Field Museum of Natural History, c/o Harold Voris, Division of Reptiles and Amphibians, 1400 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60605.
The CNAH Board of Directors extends its sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues of Hymen Marx. We will all miss him.
In Memoriam: J. Alan Holman
Wednesday, August 16, 2006: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
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In Memoriam: J. Alan Holman (1931-2006)
Dr. J. Alan ("Al") Holman, passed away on 12 August 2006. Al taught vertebrate paleontology and herpetology courses at Michigan State University until his retirement. Not only was Al a prolific researcher and writer in vertebrate paleontology (focusing on Cenozoic and quaternary herpetofauna), but he was also very interested in and concerned about the biology and conservation of living reptiles, turtles, and amphibians. He was an active member of the Michigan DNR Technical Advisory Committee on Amphibians, Turtles, and Reptiles. He co-authored three popular books on the Michigan herpetofauna and had just finished collaborating on a revision of "Michigan Snakes," to be published soon. But his best known work was "Pleistocene Amphibians and Reptiles in North American," published by Oxford Press in 1995, and still the standard in the field today.
After his retirement, Al had continued his productivity, and always had a few articles and books coming out or in preparation. Despite his full plate of projects, Al never hesitated to stop and give assistance to a colleague or student in need.
Al's contributions to science will be greatly missed, but more than anything, his warmth, kindness and loyal friendship will be irreplaceable.
He was interred next to his wife, Peg Holman, at the Glendale Cemetery on Mount Hope Road in Lansing, Michigan, on 17 August.
*****
The CNAH Board of Directors extends its sympathies to the family and friends of J. Alan Holman.
In Memoriam: John Behler
Wednesday, February 01, 2006: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
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1 February 2006
John Behler (1943-2006)
The following announcement was prepared by the Wildlife Conservation Society:
The Board of Trustees and Staff of the Wildlife Conservation Society are profoundly saddened by the death of our esteemed colleague, John L. Behler. John died on Tuesday, 31 January 2006. As Curator of Herpetology at the Bronx Zoo, John began his WCS career in 1970 in the Reptile Department as an intern. John's knowledge and love of wildlife included working with WCS field staff on related projects in Madagascar and Asia and is known and appreciated world-wide. His work exemplified the long history of WCS setting standards for others to follow. He assumed a leadership role among his peers in groundbreaking captive breeding programs for endangered crocodilians, tortoises, and freshwater turtles and also focused on the ecology and behavior of reptilians.
John's quick wit, charm and dedication allowed him to share his life's work with many. Among his numerous affiliations, John was a founding member of the American Zoo and Aquarium's Crocodilian Advisory Group and worked closely with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Endangered Species Unit. Likewise, Behler served his community on the Sommers Conservation Board and Muscoot Farm Nature Center in Westchester County Park.
Behler authored more than 40 popular and scientific articles, five guidebooks highlighting reptilians and amphibians and co-authored a book "Frogs - A Chorus of Colors" with his wife, Deborah Behler.
We are all saddened by the loss of our friend, a great scientist and conservationist. Our heartfelt sympathies go to John's wife, Debbie; mother, Mildred; sister, Judy Howells; John's children Cindy Sibilia, and David Behler and his five grandchildren.
David T. Schiff
Chairman
Steven E. Sanderson
President and CEO
Wildlife Conservation Society
*****
The CNAH Board of Directors extends its sympathy to John Behler's family and friends.
In Memoriam: John Werler
Wednesday, March 24, 2004: Houston, Texas - Early in the morning on Sunday, March 21, 2004, the Houston Zoo lost a dear friend and the single most important individual in its storied 82 year history. John Werler was an inspiration and legend to so many people in the world zoo community. Born in 1922, John came to the zoo in 1956 and retired as Zoo Director in 1992. One of the longest serving Zoo Directors in the country, he brought about many significant changes to the Houston Zoo, despite working with limited city resources. He and his late wife Ingrid dedicated countless hours to the zoo. They touched the hearts and minds of all who knew them and our lives will be forever enriched by their compassion and friendship. One cannot speak of John without including his late wife Ingrid. They were an incredible team, always smiling, always laughing, always caring. All of us that had the privilege of knowing John and Ingrid will be forever in their debt for the lasting memories they created for all zoo visitors, staff, and volunteers over the past six decades.
The officers and board of directors of The Center for North American Herpetology express their sympathies to John Werler's family and close friends. He was a wonderful person, and will be missed by so many.
For a more detailed obituary, go to:
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/printstory.mpl/deaths/2466649
In Memoriam: Joseph B. Slowinski
Wednesday, September 12, 2001: Joseph Bruno Slowinski, Curator of Herpetology at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, died on the morning of September 12th, 2001, from the bite of a Multi-Banded Krait (Bungarus multicinctus) in the mountains of northern Myanmar (Burma), despite extraordinary efforts to save him by his companions.
http://outside.away.com/outside/adventure/200204/200204_bit_1.adp
http://www.doctorbugs.com/Joseph_Slowinski.html
In Memoriam: Karl Maslowski
Thursday, June 08, 2006: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
Karl H. Maslowski (1913-2006) photographed, chronicled wildlife around the globe
BY REBECCA GOODMAN | CINCINNATI ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER
ANDERSON TWP. - Karl H. Maslowski - a well-known wildlife photographer - wrote a column called "Naturalist Afield" for The Cincinnati Enquirer for more than 50 years.
Mr. Maslowski, 93, died Thursday at his home in Anderson Township (Ohio).
He photographed wildlife around the world, including the Canadian Arctic, the Caribbean jungle and Africa. Thousands of his writings and still photos appeared in books and magazines, including National Geographic, Life, Sports Afield and the Saturday Evening Post (as well as the spectacular cover of National Wildlife in the early 1960s showing a "blue" Bullfrog).
He was one of the first to show nature in all its glorious hues when he began using color film in the late 1930s. He produced more than 70 documentaries and contributed to several Walt Disney nature films including "Earthquake Lake" and "The Living Desert." Mr. Maslowski presented a nationwide lecture series for the Audubon Society and the Smithsonian, and provided footage for a prime-time TV nature series in Cleveland.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on Feb. 5, 1913, Mr. Maslowski moved with his family to Cincinnati, Ohio, the following year. At age 15 he befriended Christian Goetz, president of the Christian Moerlein Brewing Co. Mr. Maslowski helped Goetz, a duck hunter, band birds in the spring. Goetz purchased a camera and turned it over to Mr. Maslowski. His career as a wildlife photographer was born.
While attending evening college at the University of Cincinnati, Mr. Maslowski presented a 10-minute talk about local wildlife, which he illustrated with slides and short movies. His instructor was so impressed that he hired him to produce a series of wildlife programs for the university. Mr. Maslowski subsequently taught natural history and birding courses at the UC evening college.
In 1937, he asked Enquirer editors if he could write a weekly nature column. It appeared in the paper on Sundays until December 1988, interrupted only by his service as a combat motion picture cameraman for the Army Air Corps during World War II. A few years ago, he turned his business - Maslowski Wildlife Productions - over to his sons, Steve and Dave, both of Anderson Township.
Mr. Maslowski was a founder of the Cincinnati Nature Center and Oxbow Inc. In 1977, Miami University awarded him an honorary doctorate; and in 1978, Cornell University presented him the Arthur Allen Award.
His wife, Edna Hadler Maslowski, and a daughter, Karla Long, died previously.
Survivors include another son, Peter of Lincoln, Neb.; and six grandchildren.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. June 17 at T. P. White & Sons Funeral Home, 2050 Beechmont Ave. in Mount Washington. Interment will be at Mount Washington Cemetery.
Memorials: Cincinnati Nature Center, 4949 Teal Town Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45150; Museum of Natural History & Science, Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45203-1130; or Oxbow Inc., P.O. Box 43391, Cincinnati, Ohio 45243.
In Memoriam: Leslie Edward Meade
Tuesday, December 07, 2004: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
Leslie Edward Meade 1941-2004
Morehead, Kentucky - Leslie Edward Meade, 63, retired Morehead State University Professor of Biology, passed away Sunday, December 5, 2004, at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center in Lexington. A member of the MSU faculty from 1971 through May 2003, Les received his BS and MS degrees in biology and chemistry from MSU and the PhD in biological sciences from the University of Southern Mississippi. Prior to joining the faculty at Morehead State, he taught at Stubenville College and Kent State University, East Liverpool, Ohio.
Les was a member of the Kentucky Academy of Science, Tennessee Academy of Science and the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. He had received several research grants, authored or co-authored numerous scientific articles that appeared in various professional journals, and presented a number of papers. Well known for his work in the areas of fishes, amphibians, and reptiles of Kentucky and vascular flora and small mammals of northeastern Kentucky, Les worked with the Northeast Kentucky Regional Science Fair for 21 years, taught courses on the subjects of snakes and mammals at various 4-H camps for several years, and spoke at schools throughout the region. He also made presentations at Carter Caves State Park and the U.S. Forest Service and had served as a consultant to several industrial projects. Les was probably best known to herpetologists for his work on Kentucky snakes.
Born October 21, 1941, in Syracuse, New York, Les was the son of Irene Swieck Meade of Suwanee, Georgia, and the late Leslie Elwood Meade. Besides his mother, he is survived by his wife, Donna Sublett Meade, whom he married December 23, 1967, and their children, Leslie Scott Meade of Lexington, Kentucky, and Marla Kaye Meade of St. Louis, Missouri. Other survivors include sisters Marcia Scott of Atlanta, Georgia, and Janice Williams of Suwanee, Georgia, half-brothers Ron Meade, George Meade, and Eric Meade, all of Erieville, New York, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, December 8, 2004, in Morehead, Kentucky; entombment was in Forest Lawn Mausoleum. Memorial contributions may be made to the MSU Biology Department through the MSU Foundation, Palmer Development House, Morehead, Kentucky 40351.
In Memoriam: Margaret Stewart
Wednesday, September 20, 2006: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
In Memoriam Margaret Stewart (1927-2006)
Distinguished Teaching Professor Emerita of Biological Sciences Margaret "Meg" Stewart passed away on 2 August 2006 after battling pancreatic cancer. Stewart was known for a lifetime of dedication to science, to the University, and to biological conservation. An outstanding teacher who lectured in many different courses, she was particularly interested in mentoring female students. Her graduate trainees are themselves a distinguished group of scientists and academics. Despite her advancing illness, she continued to attend student seminars and thesis defenses until very recently.
Known internationally for her studies of amphibians, turtles, and reptiles, Stewart joined the biology faculty of the University at Albany in 1956. While she officially retired in 1997, Stewart remained an active presence on campus as founding director of the Graduate Program in Biodiversity, Conservation, and Policy.
Associate Professor George Robinson of the Department of Biological Sciences said, "She spent a lifetime doing the difficult things that others shirked, and her fierce Scots integrity stands out in all her accomplishments."
Stewart was honored in June 2004 with a proclamation honoring her 12 years of service as a member of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission. She played a leading role in the Eastern New York Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, and was awarded the Oak Leaf Award in 1997. Stewart was the recipient of the University at Albany's Citizen Laureate Award in 1987. In June, the Epsilon chapter of Phi Beta Kappa at UNC-Greensboro (her undergraduate alma mater) elected her as an alumna member in honor of her extraordinary career as a scientist and University professor.
Stewart wrote the landmark text, Amphibians of Malawi. One African frog, which she first collected, was later named for her (Phrynobatrachus stewartae) and is known as Stewart's Puddle Frog. She also studied the Mink Frog of the Adirondacks, the frogs of Jamaica, and the Coqui Frog of Puerto Rico. Her distinguished work on the Coqui resulted in an honorary doctorate from the University of Mayaguez in 1996.
In 1979, Stewart became the first woman to lead a professional herpetological organization when she was elected president of the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAR). The American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH) awarded her its Robert K. Johnson Award in 2005 for excellence in service to the society. The same year, she received the ASIH's highest award, the Henry S. Fitch Award, for long-term excellence in the study of amphibian, chelonian, and/or reptilian biology.
Survivors include her husband, George E. Martin, mathematics professor emeritus at the University at Albany; and her brother, John M. Stewart, a renowned peptide chemist at the University of Colorado Medical School in Denver; as well as two nieces and two nephews.
A memorial service will be announced in the fall. Gifts in Stewart's memory may be made to The University at Albany Foundation with notation for the Margaret Stewart Biodiversity Fund and sent to Sorrell Chesin at the foundation, UAB-201, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222.
In Memoriam: Michael Ewert
Saturday, June 11, 2005: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
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11 June 2005
In Memoriam Michael Ewert
Michael Ewert, herpetologist at the University of Indiana, Bloomington, passed away on 7June 2005 from renal-cell carcinoma. Mike was a dedicated and skilled biologist who had diverse interests but specialized in turtle reproductive biology. He was a pioneer in studies of turtle embryology, incubation, development, and sex determination, and authored or co-authored many important publications on these topics. Mike taught and influenced many students and colleagues. Many herpetologists use successful turtle egg incubation techniques based on Mike's research and recommendations. His contributions to the conservation of turtles and understanding of their biology will go on long after his passing.
The CNAH Board of Directors extends its sincere sympathy to the Ewert family and friends.
In Memoriam: R. C. Bothner
Saturday, March 01, 2008: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
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1 March 2008
In Memoriam: Richard C. Bothner (1929-2008)
Dr. Richard C. Bothner, Professor Emeritus at St. Bonaventure University passed away at his home in the company of his wife Peg, early Friday morning, 15 February 2008. He was born in Bronx, New York, where he attended Fordham University and from which he received a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy in Biology. In the interim period between these degrees, he served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force for three years. He and Peggy were married in 1958. He was hired as a Professor of Biology at St. Bonaventure in September of that same year where he quickly became a popular professor at the university until his retirement in 1993. Following retirement, he was named Professor Emeritus and continued to teach part time for several years.
Dick was a passionate naturalist, best known for his mischievous sense of humor and enthusiastic "snake lectures" delivered to countless schools and scouting troops throughout his career. He was a long time member of the three major herpetological societies and authored the SSAR catalog account for Thamnophis brachystoma. In New York, he was the authority on the herpetofauna of western New York, especially the Eastern Hellbender, Shorthead Garter Snake, and Wehrle's Salamander. His field work was cited in numerous publications and most recently he co-authored "The Amphibians and Reptiles of New York State," published in 2007 by Oxford University Press.
The CNAH Board of Directors extends its sympathies to Dick's wife, Peg; sister, Patricia Carrol; Dick's children Carl (Rose) Bothner of Rochester, New York, Patricia (Miguel) Villafranca, Peter (Dionne) Bothner, Jane (William) Harkin, nine grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. We are all saddened by the loss of a great scientist, field companion and conservationist.In Memoriam: R. F. Clarke
Friday, April 04, 2008: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
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4 April 2008
IN MEMORIAM: ROBERT F. CLARKE (1919-2008)
Dr. Robert F. Clarke, Emporia, Kansas, passed away on, Wednesday, 2 April 2008, at Newman Regional Health in Emporia, Kan. He was born 18 October 1919 in Portsmouth, Virginia, He married Elaine McNabb of Melvern, Kansas, in 1947. In 1948, he and Elaine moved to Emporia, Kansas, where he was a stationary engineer for the Santa Fe Railroad and a freelance illustrator. Dr. Clarke had always had a passion for reptiles, turtles, and amphibians, and had amassed a large collection of them. After a rain, one of the biology professors from Kansas State Teachers College (now Emporia State University) found him collecting frogs in a ditch and encouraged him to begin college to pursue his passion, which he did in 1952 at the age of 33. He completed his Bachelors Degree in 1955 and Masters Degree in Biology in 1957 at Emporia State University. He received a prestigious National Academy of Science Fellowship to complete his Doctorate in Zoology at the University of Oklahoma in 1963. The family returned to Emporia and he taught at Roosevelt High School on the Emporia State University campus, then became a Biology Department faculty member at Emporia State University in 1968. He was Chairman of the Department of Biology at Emporia State University from 1972 to 1979. He was Assistant to the Vice-President of Academic Affairs from 1969 to 1970, where he helped to start sabbatical leave and tenure policies. He retired from Emporia State University in 1985.
As a naturalist/educator, Robert Clarke taught several areas of biology for more than 30 years, published over 50 works on herpetology, established CPR training programs in Emporia, was instrumental in starting the Chickadee Check-Off Program to assist non-game research in Kansas, was a frequent speaker at colleges and universities as part of the American Institute of Biological Scientists, and was the editor, and editor emeritus, and one of the creators of the Kansas School Naturalist. As an artist/naturalist, he was ranked in the top 10 of Kansas wildlife artists. He designed and illustrated numerous association conference covers and illustrated several of the Kansas School Naturalists. He developed and illustrated over 100 cartoon-like panels entitled "Something Wild" that appeared in over 25 Kansas newspapers.
Dr. Clarke held the office of President for the following organizations: Southwest Association of Naturalists (1971), Kansas Herpetological Society (1972), and Kansas Academy of Science (1981). He was co-founder of the Kansas Conservation Forum and held over 20 professional memberships. Dr. Clarke received the following awards: The Robert L. Packard Outstanding Educator Award by the Southwestern Association of Naturalists (1989), Kansas Wildlife Federation Conservation Communicator Award (1991), The Governor's Kansas Conservationist of the Year Award (1982). He was a Distinguished Alumnus in 1991 from Emporia State University, Emeritus Professor (1986), and Xi Phi Outstanding Graduate Student in Biology from the University of Oklahoma (1961). In his primary profession of herpetology, the pinnacle of his long and productive career was being invested as a Distinguished Life Member of the Kansas Herpetological Society.
Robert is survived by a daughter, Linda Clarke (Emporia), son, John Clarke (Wichita), and four granddaughters, Jessica, Lacy, Tara, and Kristi Clarke (Wichita). His wife, Elaine preceded him in death. He loved his family, lizards and nature, his art and friends, his Model A, making jokes and laughter. His smile and Virginia accent will be missed.
Modified from an obituary published in the Topeka Capital-Journal on 4 April 2008.
*****
The Board of Directors of The Center for North American Herpetology extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Robert F. Clarke. He will be missed by us all.
*****
In Memoriam: Roger Conant
Friday, December 19, 2003: Albuquerque, New Mexico - USFWS
Roger Conant, co-author of the Peterson Field Guide to Reptiles and
Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America, died peacefully in
his sleep at age of 94 on December 19th at about 12:30 am in
Albuquerque from cancer. His final wishes for cremation and no
funeral will be honored. There will be a memorial service in his
honor at the University of New Mexico in January 2004.
The CNAH Board of Directors extends its sincere sympathy to the Conant family and friends.
In Memoriam: Ron Goellner
Monday, February 27, 2006: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
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27 February 2006
In Memoriam Ronald Goellner (1945-2006)
It is with great sadness that I report the death of Ron Goellner, Director of Animal Collections at the Saint Louis Zoo. Ron passed away early this morning, February 26, 2006, in the comfort of his home with his loving wife Karen at his side. The entire Saint Louis Zoo community is profoundly saddened by the loss of a man who touched the lives of so many, yet we know that Ron would be the first to tell us to "keep smilin." You cannot conjure memories of Ron and not follow his advice, because he sowed smiles wherever he went.
Born on November 4, 1945, Ron’s career at the Saint Louis Zoo spanned 35 years. He started in the Reptile House in 1970 as a keeper and within a few years was promoted to Curator of Reptiles, a position he held until 1995. For the past ten years, Ron served as the Director of Animal Collections for the Zoo. Although Ron was intensely interested in all reptiles and amphibians, his true passions were Tuataras and Hellbenders. In 1980, Ron traveled to Stephen’s Island in New Zealand to collect environmental data that could be utilized in the construction of a new off-exhibit enclosure for the Zoo’s Tuatara group, which have been in the collection since 1973. In recent years, Ron founded the Center for Hellbender Conservation, which included the construction of a dedicated off-exhibit facility for captive propagation efforts. In addition, he established valuable links with the Missouri Department of Conservation, universities, etc. to forge ahead with cooperative in situ initiatives for the Hellbender in Missouri.
Ron was an avid gardener and had built several ponds around his house to attract local amphibians. He enjoyed a wide array of outdoor activities and particularly loved camping in the Big Bend region of Texas as well as the mountains of southeastern Arizona.
Ron was my zoo mentor and colleague, but most of all he was a dear friend who I will miss.
Jeff Ettling
Curator of Herpetology
Saint Louis Zoo
*****
The CNAH Board of Directors extends its sympathy to the family and friends of Ron Goellner.
In Memoriam: Sean McKeown
Friday, July 19, 2002: Honolulu, Hawaii - Modified from the Star Bulletin 17 July 2002
Herpetologist Sean McKeown, former curator of reptiles at the Honolulu Zoo, died Thursday, July 11th, 2002, at Stanford Medical Center in California. He was 58 years old. McKeown spent twenty years as a curator of reptiles at the Honolulu Zoo and the Chafee Zoological Gardens in Fresno, California. During that time, he helped promote the importance of conservation and captive management and breeding of endangered reptiles and amphibians worldwide. McKeown was an expert on ecology and conservation of reptiles and amphibians. He wrote more than 100 articles on the care and breeding of reptiles and amphibians. His most important published work was Hawaiian Reptiles and Amphibians, which today remains the standard reference to the herpetofauna of the islands. McKeown remained an advocate for Hawaiian wildlife preservation after he moved to Los Osos, California, from Hawaii. He worked closely with former Honolulu Zoo director Paul Breese to help keep Brown Tree Snakes out of Hawaii. The country has lost one of its most brilliant, hardworking and active leaders in wildlife conservation of this era. CNAH extends its deepsest sympathy to the family and numerous friends of Sean McKeown.In Memoriam: Wilfred T. Neill, Jr.
Monday, February 26, 2001: Wilfred T. Neill, Jr., died on February 19, 2001, of pulmonary pneumonia. He was 79. Neill was born in Augusta, Georgia, on January 12, 1922. He received a B.S. from University of Georgia in 1941 (at age 19). After serving in the Army Air Force in W.W. II, he taught at Augusta Junior College, attaining the rank of Professor of Zoology. From 1949 to 1962, he was Research Director at Ross Allen's Reptile Institute. He did some graduate work at the University of Florida in 1964, but left without completing his doctoral degree. He continued to publish research articles and books through the 1960s and 1970s, yielding a cumulative total of about 300 articles and six books (including four for Columbia University Press) in herpetology, biogeography, archaeology, anthropology and various other fields.
His health declined steadily after a near-fatal snakebite in 1978. He was a resident at MeadowView Life Center (formerly Lakeland Health Care Center) in Lakeland, Florida, since 1985. He is survived by his son, W. Trammell Neill, III, and his grandson, Daniel B. Neill.
A "Biographical Sketch and Bibliography of Wilfred T. Neill" was published in 1993 by the Smithsonian Herpetological Information Service (No. 95). The bibliography is fairly comprehensive.
In 1966, Sam Telford honored Neill by describing a new subspecies of snake for him, Tantilla relicta neilli. In addition, Wilfred T. Neill described the following North American taxa: Amphiuma pholeter (1964),
Pseudobranchus striatus lustricolus
(1951),
Elaphe obsoleta rossalleni
(1949), and
Farancia erytrogramma seminola
(1964). CNAH expresses its sympathy and support to the family and friends of Wilfred T. Neill, Jr. He will be missed by all of the herpetological community.
Masticophis Motion Monitored
Thursday, October 13, 2005: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
CNAH RESEARCH REQUEST Number 63
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
13 October 2005
Masticophis Movement to be Monitored
A student and I are conducting some behavioral trials of anti-predator behavior in lizards and we are in need of a few more live individuals of the Coachwhip, Masticophis flagellum. We have a couple, but the weather has turned cold in Oklahoma and we have doubts that we can capture more before the active season ends. Does anyone have live Coachwhips that we could borrow? It would be best if they were 30-100 cm in length. The animals would not be harmed and would be returned in good condition after a few weeks of trials. We have an IACUC permit to conduct the work here at Oklahoma State University.
If you have a snake that you would be willing to loan to us for a bit, please contact me.
Dr. Stanley Fox
Oklahoma State University
Department of Zoology
430 Life Sciences West
Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078-3052
405/744-9682
Fax: 405/744-7824
foxstan@okstate.edu
Necturus Needed
Wednesday, April 19, 2006: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
CNAH RESEARCH REQUEST Number 80
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
19 April 2006
Midwest Mudpuppy Molecules
I am currently working on an undergraduate project involving population genetics of the Common Mudpuppy, Necturus maculosus. I need samples from the Ohio River and Illinois River populations (Detroit River samples have already been obtained) to compare geographically distinct populations. If anyone has access to known populations in these areas, I would appreciate blood (preferably), tissue, or saliva samples. Also, if any museum or university has specimens with known localities, information on those specimens would also be appreciated.
Thank you.
Rachel Bradfield
Biological Sciences
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, Ohio 43403
rbradfi@bgsu.edu
Neoseps Notes Needed
Monday, February 06, 2006: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
CNAH RESEARCH REQUEST Number 70
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
6 February 2006
SAND SKINK LOCALITY DATA REQUEST
We are working on compiling range-wide locality data of the Sand Skink (Neoseps reynoldsi) in Florida. The goal of our project is to determine the macro-scale habitat characteristics affecting skink distribution and to quantify the lands where skinks occur (e.g., private, protected, developed) to determine how development has affected populations over time. All data contributed will be kept confidential and only broad-scale range maps or locations will appear in publications stemming from this research.
If you have data on Sand Skink occurrences (either visual sightings or sightings of Sand Skink trails left in the sand) that you are willing to contribute, all we need is the year of the observation and the approximate location. Any locality information you have is useful – ranging from exact GPS coordinates to general localities (i.e., XXX State Park). Also, we will take the data in any format (i.e., photocopied field notes, email correspondence, etc.), and every record contributed is important to the success of this project.
All contributions will be properly acknowledged, and if you would like more information about our project, please feel free to contact me. We would like to receive all observation data by 1 March 2006, if possible.
Thank you for taking the time to read this; please direct any inquiries to:
David Pike
Ecologist, Research Coordinator
Environmental Services Group
Glatting Jackson, Inc.
33 East Pine Street
Orlando, Florida 32801
work: 407-284-4718
cell: 443-570-1395
fax: 407-839-1789
dapike22@hotmail.com
Nerodia Data Needed
Wednesday, November 22, 2006: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
CNAH RESEARCH REQUEST Number 105
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
22 November 2006
WATER SNAKE DATA WANTED AT WU
I am writing to request body size and/or head dimension data for both males and females in the snake genera Nerodia as well as Seminatrix and Regina. These data will be used to examine patterns of SSD in Water Snakes (both intra- and interspecific). As such, multiple populations of multiple species are necessary. I am trying to get the maximum geographic coverage possible for these species. Necessary data include: species, sex, SVL and/or mass, head length, head width, locality represented by data (at least county and state), citation (if published data). If you are willing to provide published (or unpublished) data or have questions, please contact me at
gifford@biology2.wustl.edu
Thank you for your assistance.
Matthew E. Gifford
PhD Candidate
Campus Box 1137
Department of Biology
Washington University
St. Louis, Missouri 63130
(314) 935-5302 (office)
Plestiodon Procurement
Friday, June 09, 2006: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
CNAH RESEARCH REQUEST Number 85
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
9 June 2006
I am studying skinks of the Plestiodon (Eumeces) laticeps group and need to acquire a few specimens (5 males, 5 females) each of P. obsoletus and P. septentrionalis to study in the lab. If anyone is doing work (with appropriate permits) within the range of these lizards and has additional specimens available, I would much appreciate hearing from them. I would be happy to pay for shipping. Thank you
Charles M. Watson
Doctoral Candidate
The University of Texas at Arlington
cwatson@uta.eduPseudacris Data Needed
Thursday, October 21, 2004: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
CNAH RESEARCH REQUEST Number 12
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
21 October 2004
Pseudacris Locality Information Needed
I am trying to locate areas in the southeastern U.S. where the Upland Chorus Frog (Pseudacris feriarum) and the Southern Chorus Frog (Pseudacris nigrita) can be found calling sympatrically. Areas where they call in the same ponds would be best, but otherwise, areas where they overlap geographically are very useful also. I have already located and worked in sympatric populations in Florida, southwestern Georgia, and Virginia. I need help finding sympatric populations in South Carolina, North Carolina, and eastern Georgia. If you are willing to go through your field notes to check for information on localities in these states, I would be extremely grateful for any leads. This information will help me to complete a study of geographic variation in advertisement calls in these two species. Your assistance would be most valuable. Please send any information to me at
chorusfrog@mail.utexas.edu
Thank you!
Emily C. Moriarty Lemmon, Ph.D. Candidate
Section of Integrative Biology (C0930)
Patterson Lab 141, 24th and Speedway
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, Texas 78712-1064
office/lab phone: 512-471-5302
FAX: 512-471-3878
chorusfrog@mail.utexas.edu
Pseudacris Decline Data
Saturday, July 22, 2006: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
CNAH RESEARCH REQUEST Number 89
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
22 July 2006
PSEUDACRIS DECLINE DATA DESIRED
I'm gathering information about Chorus Frog (Pseudacris) declines across the North American continent as part of a project with Emily Moriarty-Lemmon, Alan Lemmon, and David Cannatella (University of Texas-Austin). I am interested in when, where, and why (if possible) the declines occurred, but where is most important component.
I would be interested in hearing from state or provincial herpetologists as to the conservation status of all their species of Pseudacris (common, threatened, endangered, etc.). I already have information on this species for Pennsylvania, but would be most interested in data (published or unpublished) from other states and provinces.
I can be contacted at:
Joseph T. Collins
State Herpetologist
Kansas Biological Survey
The University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas 66047
jcollins@ku.edu
Pseudacris Microsatellites
Monday, November 01, 2004: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
CNAH RESEARCH REQUEST Number 14
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
1 November 2004
Pseudacris Microsatellites
I am interested in contacting anyone who is developing (or knows of the development) of microsatellite primers for frogs of the genus Pseudacris. I am working on Pseudacris maculata population genetics in Yellowstone National Park. I am looking for microsatellite loci that are available (or soon to be available) for this or closely related species. I have found the Call 1998 reference which contains Pseudacris (Hyla) regilla primers, but have found no additional published microsatellite loci. My goal is to have a total of 15 microsatellites for the project, so I would be very interested in exchanging primer sets if I end up pulling some of my own or making other arrangements for collaboration. If anyone can assist me in this, please contact me at
Melanie Murphy
PhD Candidate
School of Biological Sciences
Washington State University
Pullman, Washington 99164
(509) 335-8015
mamurphy@wsu.eduRana Research Request
Tuesday, October 04, 2005: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
CNAH RESEARCH REQUEST Number 60
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
4 October 2005
Frog Data Desired
I would like to contact herpetologists involved in size-assessment of amphibian populations of species that are of commercial interest. For example, in the U.S. specimens of the Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) are harvested in order to obtain the legs, which are sold on the commercial market (for consumption in restaurants).
We are requesting information because, in the Danube Delta of Romania, there have been requests submitted by various commercial firms for a license for frog-leg exploitation. Before issuing a permit to them, we feel we must establish a quota for existing frog populations, which might then put limits on the number to be harvested for the commercial market.
To set a quota, we are trying to find out any rsearch details or results that focused both on assessments of numbers of frogs in a given population and on establishment of numbers of frogs that might be removed from said population without long term damage to the a species.
Anyone involved in such research and willing to provide reprints or research results, please contact me at:
Zsolt TÖRÖK
Danube Delta National Institute
165, Babadag Street
Tulcea 820112
Tulcea County, Romania
(+04) 0240 524546, 534548, 524550
Fax (+04) 0240 533547
torok@indd.tim.ro
Sceloporus Search
Wednesday, October 25, 2006: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
CNAH RESEARCH REQUEST Number 101
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
25 October 2006
SCELOPORUS SEARCH FOR STUART
I am seeking citations and (if available) reprints of journal articles, books and book chapters, masters theses, doctoral dissertations, symposium proceedings, papers in press, etc. that concern Yarrow's Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus jarrovii) for a comprehensive literature review I am preparing for this species. Please send any information to my regular mail or email address below. Thanks in advance.
James N. Stuart
NMDGF-CSD
P. O. Box 25112
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504-5112
jnstuart61@yahoo.com
Spea Samples Sought
Tuesday, October 31, 2006: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
CNAH RESEARCH REQUEST Number 102
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
31 October 2006
SEEKING SPADEFOOT SAMPLES
I seek tissue samples from the Plains Spadefoot (Spea bombifrons) for use in a phylogeographic study. I am especially interested in collections from central New Mexico and southern Texas. Any samples from Nebraska northward would also be of interest. I can only use tissues that have been either frozen or preserved in 95% ethanol.
If anyone has samples of Spea bombifrons from these areas (or anywhere else) and is willing to share, please contact me at
arice@email.unc.edu
or at the address below to arrange shipping.
Please do not collect specimens from any location unless you have a scientific collecting permit; please also note that state hunting licenses cannot be used to collect scientific specimens in a number of states; specimens taken with a hunting license generally are for personal use only and such specimens are not transferable to any entity, scientific or otherwise. Check your state regulations carefully before collecting specimens.
Thank you for your help.
Amber Rice
Graduate Student
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Biology Department
CB 3280 Coker Hall
Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
(919) 962-3595
http://www.unc.edu/~arice/
Storeria Shed Stash Search
Friday, August 25, 2006: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
CNAH RESEARCH REQUEST Number 94
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
25 August 2006
I am writing a natural history note regarding site fidelity during ecdysis in the Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi). If anyone is aware of any other instances of site fidelity during ecdysis in snakes in general or the Brown Snake in particular, I would very much appreciate a reprint or reference. Any personal observations would be greatly appreciated and acknowledged if used with the article. Thank you in advance.
Brian S. Gray
1217 Clifton Drive
Erie, Pennsylvania 16505-5215
(814) 453-4679
no email address available
The Collins Award for 2007
Tuesday, November 06, 2007: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
7 November 2007
SOCIETY RECOGNIZES PHOTOGRAPHIC EXCELLENCE
The Kansas Herpetological Society held its 34th Annual Meeting at the Topeka Zoo in Topeka, Kansas, on Saturday and Sunday, November 2-4, 2007. Over 140 participants attended scientific paper sessions to listen to 30 talks on amphibians, turtles, and reptiles by scientists and students from across the nation. Featured speakers were Dr. Emily Moriarty Lemmon, University of Texas at Austin (and former resident of Lawrence, Kansas), and Jonathan Campbell, professor of biology at the University of Texas-Arlington (and a graduate of the University of Kansas).
During its business meeting, the KHS members chose Dan Johnson of Overland Park, Kansas, as president-elect; Eric Kessler (Blue Valley North High School, Overland Park) was re-elected as treasurer, and Mary Kate Baldwin (Topeka Collegiate School) was re-elected as secretary. Dan Carpenter (Friends University, Wichita) currently is president-elect and takes office as president on January 1st, 2008. Ginny Weatherman (University of Kansas, Lawrence) served as president during 2007 and hosted the meeting in Topeka this year. She will continue on the KHS Executive Council as past-president during 2008.
Prior to the KHS auction and social on Saturday evening, KHS President (and KU student) Ginny Weatherman presented a scholarship and a grant. The first was to Melissa Boetig, a student at Washburn University in Topeka, recipient of the 2007 Howard K. Gloyd/Edward H. Taylor Scholarship for $100.00, honoring the memory of two great biologists with strong ties to Kansas. The 2007 Alan H. Kamb Grant for Research on Kansas Snakes was made to Page Klug, Kansas State University, Manhattan. The Kamb Grant was for $150.00, and honors the memory of longtime KHS member Al Kamb of Lawrence, Kansas.
George R. Pisani of the Kansas Biological Survey at the University of Kansas was introduced by Joseph T. Collins as the ninth Distinguished Life Member of the Kansas Herpetological Society. George received a commemorative plaque recognizing his lifetime research accomplishments in herpetology.
Also prior to the Saturday night auction and social, J. Daren Riedle, West Texas A&M University, Canyon, was chosen as the tenth recipient of "The Suzanne L. & Joseph T. Collins Award for Excellence in Kansas Herpetology." Daren, a long time KHS member, had his image of a Common Map Turtle selected as the best photograph of a native Kansas amphibian, turtle, or reptile. For his beautiful image, Daren was given a commemorative certificate and a check for $1000.00 by Daniel D. Fogell, KHS Awards Committee Chairperson. "The Collins Award," established in 1998 with an endowment from Westar Energy, Topeka, is the largest biological award given annually in the state of Kansas, and the largest annual presentation made nationally to further research on (even-numbered years) or photography of (odd-numbered years) amphibians, turtles, and reptiles. As provided for in the conditions of "The Collins Award," at next year’s meeting of the KHS in Wichita, Kansas, the recipient will be chosen for the best scientific paper published or presentation made during 2006 and 2007 on a native Kansas amphibian, turtle or reptile.
At the KHS auction, Joe Collins raised $1,385.00 for the Society's coffers, selling completely worthless stuff for large sums and absolutely exquisite items for well under their value.
In 2008, the Society will meet at Friends University, Wichita.
The Collins Award for 1998
Sunday, November 08, 1998: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
8 November 1998
First Collins Award goes to KU Medical Center Student
At the Saturday night (7 November) banquet of the Silver Anniversary Meeting of the Kansas Herpetological Society, Travis W. Taggart, first-year doctoral student at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City, was chosen as the first recipient of the Suzanne L. & Joseph T. Collins Award for Excellence in Kansas Herpetology. Taggart received his undergraduate degree in Kansas at Fort Hays State University, a Masters Degree from Southeast Louisiana State University in Hammond, and is currently enrolled at the KU Medical Center in pursuit of a doctoral degree in molecular biology. At the banquet, James L. Knight, formerly of Salina and now curator at the South Carolina State Museum, representing The Center for North American Amphibians and Reptiles, joined KHS President John Lokke in presenting Taggart with a commemorative plaque and a check for $1000.00, to the applause of the 150 meeting participants from across the state and nation. The Collins Award is the largest biological award given annually in the state of Kansas, and one of the largest annual presentations made nationally to further research on amphibians, turtles, and reptiles.
Recipients of The Collins Award, established in the early 1990s with an endowment from Western Resources, are selected from among those scientific talks and papers about Kansas amphibians, turtles, and reptiles that were given or published in the preceding two years (1996 and 1997). The award-winning paper published by Taggart, Status of Bufo debilis (Anura: Bufonidae) in Kansas, was sponsored by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and provided extremely valuable information about the natural history and status of the Green Toad (Bufo debilis), a threatened species of amphibian in Kansas.
The Collins Award for 1999
Monday, November 08, 1999: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
7 November 1999
The Collins Award goes to Emporia State University Researcher
At the Saturday night social and auction of the twenty-sixth annual meeting of the Kansas Herpetological Society at Pratt County Community College in Pratt on November 6th, Dr. Gregory Sievert, Division of Biological Sciences at Emporia State University, Emporia, Kansas, was chosen as the recipient of The Suzanne L. & Joseph T. Collins Award for Excellence in Kansas Herpetology. Sievert is the author of numerous scientific articles, and with his wife, Dr. Lynnette Sievert at ESU, recently publish a booklet, "A Field Guide to Reptiles of Oklahoma," featuring his color photography. At the banquet, Robert Powell, Professor of Biology at Avila College in Kansas City, Missouri, and representing The Center for North American Amphibians and Reptiles, joined KHS President Chris Mammoliti in presenting Sievert with a commemorative certificate and a check for $1000.00, to the applause of the 75 meeting participants from Kansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska. The Collins Award is the largest biological award given annually in the state of Kansas, and the largest annual presentation made nationally to further research on and photography of amphibians and reptiles.
The Collins Award for 2000
Saturday, October 22, 2005: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
22 October 2000
Third Annual Collins Award goes to Texas Researcher
The Kansas Herpetological Society held its 27th Annual Meeting at the Adam's Mark Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri, on Saturday and Sunday. The meeting was co-hosted by the Missouri Herpetological Association and the Kansas City Herpetological Society. Over 125 participants attended scientific paper sessions to listen to 36 talks on amphibians, turtles, and reptiles by scientists and students from across the nation.
At the Saturday night festivities, Emily C. Moriarty, a graduate student at the University of Texas, Austin, was chosen as the third recipient of The Suzanne L. & Joseph T. Collins Award for Excellence in Kansas Herpetology. Moriarty is a former Lawrence, Kansas, resident, and recently graduated with honors from St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana. At the KHS Silver Anniversary Meeting in 1998, she presented a lecture on the molecular systematics of Western Chorus Frogs in Kansas, and this presentation was judged by the society as the best research on Kansas amphibians, turtles, and reptiles during the preceding two years (1998 and 1999). For her work, Ms. Moriarty was given a plaque and a check for $1000.00 by Robert Powell and Travis W. Taggart, Fort Hays State University and KHS Editor. The Collins Award is the largest biological award given annually in the state of Kansas, and the largest annual presentation made nationally to further research on (even-numbered years) or photography of (odd-numbered years) amphibians, turtles, and reptiles.
The Collins Award for 2001
Thursday, November 08, 2001: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
8 November 2001
Herpetological Society Recognizes Research and Art
The Kansas Herpetological Society held its 28th Annual Meeting at Topeka Collegiate School in Topeka, Kansas, on Saturday and Sunday, November 3-4, 2001. Over 100 participants attended scientific paper sessions to listen to 28 talks on amphibians, turtles, and reptiles by scientists and students from across the nation. Featured speaker was Dr. Walter Meshaka, curator of zoology at the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg. Dr. Meshaka spoke about the Cuban Treefrog, a species that has invaded Florida, spread across much of the state, and has impacted amphibians native to the sunshine state.
At the Saturday night barbecue and festivities, Daniel D. Fogell, instructor at the University of Nebraska, Omaha, was chosen as the fourth recipient of The Suzanne L. & Joseph T. Collins Award for Excellence in Kansas Herpetology. Fogell, a longtime KHS member, had his image of a Copperhead selected as the best photograph of a native Kansas amphibian, turtle, or reptile. For his beautiful image, Dan Fogell was given a commemorative certificate and a check for $1000.00 by Kelly J. Irwin, past president of the KHS and a member of the Board of Directors of The Center for North American Herpetology. The Collins Award, established in the early 1990s with an endowment from Western Resources, Topeka, is the largest biological award given annually in the state of Kansas, and the largest annual presentation made nationally to further research on (even-numbered years) or photography of (odd-numbered years) amphibians, turtles, and reptiles.
The Collins Award for 2002
Sunday, November 03, 2002: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
3 November 2002
Herpetological Society Recognizes KSU Research
The Kansas Herpetological Society held its 29th Annual Meeting at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas, on Saturday and Sunday, November 2-3, 2002. Over 100 participants attended scientific paper sessions to listen to 28 talks on amphibians, turtles, and reptiles by scientists and students from across the nation. Keynote speaker was Dr. Frank T. Burbrink, professor at the College of Staten Island, Long Island, New York. Dr. Burbrink spoke about the diversity of North American snakes.
At the Saturday night auction and social, John Cavitt, professor of biology at Weber State University, Ogden, Utah, was chosen as the fifth recipient of The Suzanne L. & Joseph T. Collins Award for Excellence in Kansas Herpetology. Cavitt, a recent doctoral graduate at Kansas State University, Manhattan, had his paper, Fire and a Tallgrass Prairie Reptile Community: Effects on Relative Abundance and Seasonal Activity, chosen as the best scientific title published during the years 2000 and 2001 on native Kansas amphibians, turtles, and/or reptiles. For his published research, John Cavitt was given a commemorative plaque and a check for $1000.00 by Robert Powell, past president of the KHS and a member of the Board of Directors of The Center for North American Herpetology. The Collins Award, established in 1998 with an endowment from Westar Energy, Topeka, is the largest biological award given annually in the state of Kansas, and the largest annual award made nationally to further research on (even-numbered years) or photography (odd-numbered years) of amphibians, turtles, and reptiles.
The Collins Award for 2003
Sunday, November 09, 2003: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
SOCIETY RECOGNIZES ART AND RESEARCH
The Kansas Herpetological Society held its 30th Annual Meeting at Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas, on Saturday and Sunday, November 8-9, 2003. Over 90 participants attended scientific paper sessions to listen to 21 talks on amphibians, turtles, and reptiles by scientists and students from across the nation. Featured speaker was Steven Beaupre, professor at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Dr. Beaupre spoke about Timber Rattlesnakes in Arkansas.
At the Saturday night auction and social, Larry Miller, Northern Hills Junior High School, Topeka, was chosen as the sixth recipient of The Suzanne L. & Joseph T. Collins Award for Excellence in Kansas Herpetology. Miller, a longtime KHS member, had his image of an Eastern Racer at Castle Rock selected as the best photograph of a native Kansas amphibian, turtle, or reptile. For his beautiful image, Miller was given a commemorative certificate and a check for $1000.00 by Dan Fogell, University of Nebraska at Omaha and a previous recipient of the award in 2001. The Collins Award, established in the early 1990s with an endowment from Westar Energy, Topeka, is the largest biological award given annually in the state of Kansas, and the largest annual presentation made nationally to further research on (even-numbered years) or photography of (odd-numbered years) amphibians, turtles, and reptiles.The Collins Award for 2004
Monday, November 08, 2004: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
8 November 2004
Society Recognizes Researcher from Bethel College
The Kansas Herpetological Society held its 31st Annual Meeting at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, on Saturday and Sunday, November 6-7, 2004. Approximately 110 participants attended scientific paper sessions to listen to 28 talks on amphibians, turtles, and reptiles by scientists and students from across the nation. Featured speaker was Alicia Mathis, professor at Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield. Dr. Mathis spoke about salamander conservation.
Beginning the Saturday night auction and social, Dwight R. Platt, Bethel College, North Newton, Kansas, was presented as the seventh recipient of The Suzanne L. & Joseph T. Collins Award for Excellence in Kansas Herpetology. Dr. Platt, a Distinguished Life Member of the Society, had his article, Lizards and Snakes (Order Squamata) of Harvey County, Kansas selected as the best published paper on native Kansas amphibians, turtles, or reptiles during the years 2002 or 2003. For his published research, Dr. Platt was given a commemorative plaque and a check for $1000.00 by Dr. Eva Horne (KHS President) and Dr. Walter Meshaka (State Museum of Pennsylvania and a Board Member of The Center for North American Herpetology, which co-sponsors the award). The Collins Award, established in the 1997 with an initial endowment from Westar Energy, Topeka, is the largest biological award given annually in the state of Kansas, and the largest annual presentation made nationally to further research on and photography of amphibians, turtles, and reptiles.
The Collins Award for 2005
Monday, November 07, 2005: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
NEWS RELEASE
Kansas Herpetological Society
7 November 2005
SOCIETY RECOGNIZES RESEARCH AND ART
Topeka Teacher Receives The Collins Award
The Kansas Herpetological Society held its 32nd Annual Meeting at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, on Saturday and Sunday, November 4-6, 2005. Over 125 participants attended scientific paper sessions to listen to 31 talks on amphibians, turtles, and reptiles by scientists and students from across the nation. Featured speaker was Stanley Trauth, professor at the Arkansas State University. Dr. Trauth spoke about amphibians, turtles, reptiles, and crocodilians in Arkansas.
At the Saturday night auction and social, Larry L. Miller, Northern Hills Junior high School, Topeka, was chosen as the eighth recipient of "The Suzanne L. & Joseph T. Collins Award for Excellence in Kansas Herpetology." Miller, a longtime KHS member, had his image of a Common Snapping Turtle selected as the best photograph of a native Kansas amphibian, turtle, or reptile. For his beautiful image, Miller was given a commemorative certificate and a check for $1000.00 by David Oldham, KHS president. "The Collins Award," established in 1998 with an endowment from Westar Energy, Topeka, is the largest biological award given annually in the state of Kansas, and the largest annual presentation made nationally to further research on (even-numbered years) or photography of (odd-numbered years) amphibians, turtles, and reptiles. As provided for in the conditions of "The Collins Award," at next year’s meeting of the KHS in Hays, Kansas, the recipient will be chosen for the best scientific paper published or presentation made during 2004 and 2005 on a native Kansas amphibian, turtle or reptile.
In 2006, the Society will meet at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas.
Uma Needed
Sunday, July 18, 2004: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
CNAH RESEARCH REQUEST Number 3
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
18 July 2004
ATTENTION UMA RESEARCHERS
For a study of chemosensory responses to food in omnivorous Uma, I need access to between 15 and 20 individuals of any Uma species. If anyone is working with these animals currently or has legal access to them, please contact Bill Cooper at
cooperw.ipfw.edu
about a possible collaboration.
CNAH is pleased to assist herpetologists in their scientific endeavors involving the North American herpetofauna.
Uma User Request
Wednesday, February 22, 2006: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
CNAH RESEARCH REQUEST Number 73
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
22 February 2006
WANTED: Live Coachella Valley Fringe-toed Lizards
If you are currently studying Uma inornata and have permit-covered living specimens or have a permit that allows them to be collected, please contact me about the possibility of a chemosensory study. Although insectivorous phrynosomatid lizards are generally ambush foragers, omnivory has evolved in the genus Uma, and because plants may make up a bigger proportion of the diet in Uma inornata than in other members of the genus, the presence or absence and strength of food chemical discrimination in this species are of great theoretical interest to me.
William E. Cooper
Department of Biology
Indiana University-Purdue University
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46805
cooperw@ipfw.edu
(260) 481-6311
(260) 481-6087 fax
Abnormal Alligator Activity
Friday, July 07, 2006: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
CNAH RESEARCH REQUEST Number 87
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
7 July 2006
Abnormal Alligator Activity
I am researching American Alligator topics in Florida and I am looking for a herpetologist who studies alligator behavior. Specifically, I would like to contact anyone doing research on a possible correlation between American Alligator behavior and global warming. I hope to hear from someone on this topic and thank anyone in advance for taking the time to respond. My email is shown below.
Sakura Nakamura
Gazeta USA
sakura@gazetausa.com
Abnormal Amphibs Assessed
Monday, June 19, 2006: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
19 June 2006
ABNORMAL AMPHIBIANS ASSESSED
Nationwide Assessment of Morphological Abnormalities Observed in Amphibians Collected from U.S. National Wildlife Refuges
by Laura Guderyahn, Ball State University
Publication date: May 2006
Publisher: U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service
36 pages
Abstract: Previously, amphibian malformations had only been studied at the site, state and regional levels, limiting our understanding of the types of malformations most commonly occurring in wild populations across the country. This study presents the results of radiographic analyses performed on morphologically abnormal amphibians collected from National Wildlife Refuges in 27 states and 6 of 7 US Fish and Wildlife Service regions. Despite considerable differences in species composition and ecological factors (e.g., habitat type, climate and land use), it was observed that abnormalities were remarkably similar across regions of the country. One regional difference that was noted was that higher proportions of forelimb and craniofacial abnormalities were observed in the western regions (Regions 1 and 7) compared to the eastern ones. However, the uneven distribution of these abnormalities across sites, suggest that these elevated proportions may not be characteristic of region 1. Differences in species composition as well as in ecological factors such as habitat type and climate are potential explanations for this pattern in Region 7. Given the known differences in regional causes, the results of this study suggest that these stressors may be affecting amphibian development in the same manner to produce primarily hindlimb reductions. Continued research comparing the types of abnormalities produced in different areas of the country as well as what stressors are present is essential to identify cause and affect relationships at sites hosting abnormal amphibians.
A pdf of this article may be viewed or downloaded at
http://www.cnah.org/cnah_pdf.asp
Acris Abnormalities
Thursday, September 11, 2003: 2003 Journal of Wildlife Diseases 39(3): 510-521. - HerpDigest
A Forty-Three Year Museum Study Of Northern Cricket Frog (Acris crepitans) Abnormalities In Arkansas: Upward Trends And Distributions.
Authors: Malcolm L. McCallum & Stanley E. Trauth
Arkansas State University
State University, Arkansas 72467
Abstract: The Northern Cricket Frog (Acris crepitans) is a resident of streams, rivers, and wetlands of eastern North America. We documented abnormalities in A. crepitans housed in the Arkansas State University Museum of Zoology Herpetology Collection. Abnormality frequency increased from 1957 to 2000 ( 2=43.76, df=3, P<0.001). From 1957 through 1979, only 3.33% of specimens were unusual. This rate was 6.87% during the 1990s, and in 2000 it was 8.48%. High frequencies of abnormalities were identified in the following Ozark highland counties: Sharp, Lawrence, and Randolph. We observed 104 abnormalities among 1,464 frogs (7.10%). The differential abnormality frequencies observed between the Arkansas lowlands and highlands are striking. The Ozarks had significantly higher frequencies of abnormalities than other Arkansas regions ( 2=59.76, df=4, P<0.001). The Ouachita Mountains had significantly higher frequencies than the Gulf Coastal Plain, Delta, or Arkansas River Valley ( 2=13.172, df=3, P<0.01). There was no difference in abnormality frequency between the Gulf Coastal Plain, Delta, and Arkansas River Valley ( 2=0.422, df=2, P>0.70). Proposed hypotheses for distributions include: 1) A. crepitans might possess naturally high abnormality levels, and land use practices of the Delta may reduce this variability; 2) an unknown xenobiotic may be in Ozark streams causing increased numbers of abnormalities; 3) the museum's collection effort may be skewed; 4) Delta habitat might be more favorable for Green Treefrogs (Hyla cinerea) allowing this species to drive out A. crepitans through competition; here, abnormal metamorphs are not detected because they are even less competitive than normal individuals.
Alabama Arrests
Tuesday, July 12, 2005: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
12 July 2005
Huntsville Times (Alabama)
Seven convicted on turtle poaching charges in federal investigation
Poachers nabbed in ongoing federal investigation
Six Alabama residents were convicted 28 June 2005 in Calhoun County [Alabama] on multiple counts of violating state laws regarding the possession or sale of protected non-game species related to an ongoing federal investigation into turtle poaching.
Aarion Tucker of Guntersville also was charged in the investigation and was convicted 5 July in Marshall County for five counts of the same violation. Tucker paid $500 in fines plus court costs and $500 restitution to the Alabama Wildlife Federation's Investigative Fund, according to information provided by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
The undercover investigation has been ongoing for years and is believed to be centered in the Southeast, with illegal sales of turtles to restaurants and pet stores as far away as Asia and Europe. Dubbed "Operation Snapper," it involves numerous local and state law enforcement agencies working in conjunction with several state wildlife agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Alabama Wildlife Federation's Investigative Fund is used to assist the state conservation department with covert operations and resource recovery.
In Calhoun County, James Robert Hall of Anniston was convicted on 19 counts and fined $1,900 as well as $500 restitution to the investigative fund. He also was sentenced to 30 days in jail, which was suspended. Hall was given two years probation.
Other convictions:
Teresa Hudson Whitaker, Anniston, 10 counts, $1,000 in fines and $300 restitution
John Edward Wright, Oxford, 9 counts, $900 in fines and $300 restitution
Donald Collins Lehr, Anniston, 5 counts, $500 in fines and $250 restitution
William Davis Lehr, Anniston, 10 counts, $1,000 in fines and $500 restitution
Alabama Turtle Sting
Wednesday, April 27, 2005: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
27 April 2005
Huntsville (Alabama) Times (17 April 2005)
NO MORE SHELL GAMES (Alan Clemons)
Operation Snapper Nets Seven Arrests
A Guntersville man is one of seven Alabama residents charged with multiple violations of state laws involving the illegal possession and sale of turtles to breeders involved with an international poaching network.
The breeders, many of whom are based in Louisiana, considered a major hub of the nation's illegal turtle trade, would raise the turtles and then sell them or their offspring to pet stores, collectors, meat distributors and overseas in Asia and Europe. The undercover investigation is ongoing, with indictments and arrests expected in a nationwide sweep that could include as many as 50 more people.
Aarion Ray Tucker, 39, of Guntersville has been charged with five counts of taking illegal species of turtles. Tucker also is licensed by the state as a commercial angler to operate gill nets. He pleaded guilty in Morgan County last February for two commercial fishing violations in Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge waters.
Operation Snapper involved enforcement officers with the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources working with enforcement officials in four other Southeastern states, undercover officers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local agencies. Officials have been building the case for at least two years, if not longer, in an attempt to infiltrate the widespread network.
The seven Alabama residents, who range in age from 25 to 80 years old, face a total of 65 counts. If convicted, they face fines up to $500 and six months in jail for each count. None of the seven are charged with violating the federal Lacey Act, which involves interstate wildlife transportation and carries stiffer penalties. However, officials are expected to soon indict or arrest about 50 other people across the country. Approximately 40 may face felony or misdemeanor charges of the Federal Lacey Act, while about 10 others will face lesser state violations in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee and Arkansas.
The seven Alabama people arrested caught more than 7,000 Sliders, River Cooters, Mud, Musk, Painted and Box Turtles. An additional 30,000 pounds of Common Snapping Turtles and 2,500 pounds of Softshells also were caught. Conservation department officials said the "vast majority" of the turtles were legally caught and sold, but about 340 were illegally caught and sold in violation of state or federal laws. The seven made more than $30,000 from sales of legal and illegal turtles.
The suspects were arrested, without incident, based on warrants from the investigation. The two oldest suspects, 67-year-old Robert Hall and 80-year-old William Davis Lehr, both of Anniston, are considered by state officials to be the major ringleaders. The turtles were caught on various state waterways, including Lake Guntersville, with wire traps or hoop nets in shallow waters baited with fish or chicken.
Once captured, state officials said, the turtles were sold to turtle farms in Lousiana, Arkansas and Florida. Farmers would keep breeding size turtles in special ponds that prevented their escape, collect the eggs laid by females, incubate them and then sell the hatchlings to buyers in Asia, Europe and throughout the United States.
Turtle meat, prized by restaurants primarily for soups, is sold domestcally and overseas. Asian interests are among the main buyers of turtle meat, along with restaurants in the United States. Smaller turtles were sold to pet stores or over the Internet to collectors. Officials say pet stores are not being targeted for any involvement in the network.
American Crocodile
Friday, March 25, 2005: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
25 March 2005
American Crocodile May Go Down
Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes the American Crocodile in Florida be Downlisted from Endangered to Threatened
One of America’s rarest reptiles, the American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), has so improved that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to reclassify it from "endangered" to the less-dire status of "threatened" in its Florida range. Annual monitoring of the crocodile’s distinct population segment (DPS) in Florida and its nesting activity there show the criteria for reclassification from endangered to threatened have been achieved.
The Service also proposes to initiate a five-year review of the species. The purpose of a five-year review is to ensure that listed species have the appropriate level of protection under the Endangered Species Act. A five-year review considers all information that has become available since the original listing of the American Crocodile and will evaluate population data, factors affecting the species, and ongoing conservation measures.
"Extensive monitoring of the American Crocodile population in Florida has been conducted for many years. Today, the population of American Crocodiles in Florida has grown from less than 300 individuals to an estimated 500 to 1,000 individuals, not including hatchlings. The nesting
range has also expanded on both the east and west coasts of the state since the American Crocodile was listed," said Sam D. Hamilton, the Service’s Southeast Regional Director. "We propose to reclassify the crocodile to threatened only within its current range in Florida, including coastal
areas of Miami, Dade, Broward, Monroe and Collier counties."
Since 1975, when the crocodile was protected under the Endangered Species Act, its numbers
have climbed from 10 to 20 nesting females concentrated in a small area in northeastern Florida Bay. Crocodiles now are seen frequently throughout most of their historical range in Florida, including Key Largo, Biscayne Bay, Florida Bay and even occasional nests on the southwest coast and Marco Island. During 2003, 61 crocodile nests were discovered in south Florida, and nesting has increased for several years. It is suspected that the actual number of nesting females may be higher than the 61 nests recorded. Approximately 95 percent of the remaining crocodile habitat in south Florida has been acquired by federal, state and county agencies and is now protected from development. These protected areas should allow the crocodile population to expand and may provide additional nesting opportunities, Hamilton said. Criteria in the crocodile’s recovery plan are primarily based on the number of nests and nesting females.
If this proposal is finalized, the American Crocodile DPS in Florida will continue to be federally protected as a threatened species. Federal agencies would still need to ensure that activities they authorize, fund or carry out are not likely to jeopardize its continued existence. The American Crocodile throughout the remainder of its range outside of the United States would remain endangered. The state of Florida provides legal protection for the American Crocodile within the State. The American Crocodile is listed as endangered under the Florida Wildlife Code.
The American Crocodile is a large greenish-gray reptile. It is one of two native crocodilians (the other, the American Alligator) that occur in the continental United States. The American Crocodile is distinguished from the American Alligator by a relatively narrow, more pointed snout and by an
indentation in the upper jaw that leaves the fourth tooth of the lower jaw exposed when the mouth is closed. In Florida, the American Crocodile ranges in size from 10.3 inches at hatching to an upper length of 12.5 feet.
The American Crocodile is found in coastal regions of the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, southern Mexico, Central America and northern South America, as well as the Caribbean islands. In the United States, the crocodile is limited in distribution to the southern tip of mainland Florida and the upper Florida Keys.
The Service invites public comments on its proposal to reclassify the American Crocodile distinct vertebrate population segment in Florida from endangered to threatened status and to aid in the five-year review process for the species. Comments may be directed to the Field Supervisor, South Florida Ecological Services Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1339 20th Street, Vero Beach, Florida. 32960, and will be accepted through May 23, 2005. Requests for a public hearing must be submitted to the same address by May 9, 2005. For more information, call (772) 562-3909.
Images of an American Crocodile can be accessed on the CNAH web site at:
http://www.cnah.org/nameslist.asp?id=2
AMNH Herp Pubs Gratis
Wednesday, January 11, 2006: Lawrence, Kansas - CNAH
NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
11 January 2006
All AMNH Herp Publications Available Gratis
The American Museum of Natural History Library announces the availability of the full legacy of the museum's scientific publications. Both back issues and current-ongoing publications have been digitized and all publications are now available on the web at:
http://digitallibrary.amnh