Taylor Edwards Genomics and Technology Core University of Arizona

Transcription

1 Volume 19 September 2006 Number 9 T H I S M O N T H ' S G U E S T S P E A K E R Taylor Edwards Genomics and Technology Core University of Arizona A River Runs Through Them - Progress in Defining the Desert Tortoise with Molecular Biology 7:15 PM Tuesday, 19th September Arizona Game and Fish Department Office 555 North Greasewood Road (between Speedway and Anklam, west of Pima Community College) Taylor Edwards with a Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), the subject of his talk for the September general membership meeting. Taylor Edwards received his BA in zoology from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1992 and soon afterwards moved to Tucson where he worked in the Department of Mammalogy and Ornithology at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. In 2003, he received his master s degree in Wildlife Ecology at the University of Arizona, School of Renewable Natural Resources, studying Desert Tortoise conservation genetics under the guidance of Dr. Cecil Schwalbe. Taylor s main interest is conservation biology and his research has led him as far off as China, Brazil, and Cameroon, but his focus has mostly been in the desert Southwest where he calls home. Taylor served as President of the Tucson Herpetological Society from He currently works in the Genomic Analysis and Technology Core at the University of Arizona on National Geographic s Genographic Project, a massive effort to trace the human journey around the globe using genetics. Although primarily working with human DNA, Taylor has continued to contribute to our knowledge of Desert Tortoise conservation genetics through collaborations with Dr. Robert Murphy and Dr. Kristin Berry and has built a DNA database of over 1,200 individual tortoises from throughout their range in the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts. His September THS presentation will summarize his research efforts over the past two years. N E X T M O N T H ' S G U E S T S P E A K E R Dennis Caldwell and Don Swann Conservation and Restoration of Lowland Leopard Frogs Tuesday, 17th October Tucson Herpetological Society meetings are open to the public and are held on the third Tuesday of each month starting at 7:15PM SONORAN HERPETOLOGIST 19(9)

2 H E R P E T O F A U N A O F T H E M I L E C I R C L E Natural History of the Western Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon nasicus) with Notes on Envenomation Roy C. Averill-Murray U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Reno, Nevada, USA. Roy_Averill-Murray@fws.gov. Figure 1. Western Hognosed Snake (Heterodon nasicus). Photo by A.T. Holycross. One of the United States most comical snakes is the puff adder or spreadin adder, more formally known as the Western Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon nasicus; Figure 1). The species namesake characteristic is its upturned rostral scale, which is more prominent and keeled compared to the concave rostral of the more diminutive hook-nosed snakes (Gyalopion spp.). The short head with upturned rostral curving along the upper labial scales gives the appearance that the snake has a silly grin on its face; however, its defensive behavior is what is most amusing. When threatened, the Western Hog-nosed Snake may respond with an impressive bluff, spreading its neck and inflating its body (hence the local names by which the species is often known), hissing, and striking with closed mouth. If this fails, the snake may play possum by flipping upside down and writhing, mouth open (Figure 2). To further the charade, the snake may hang its tongue lifelessly out of its open mouth. During its death throes, the little actor may excrete and smear feces over its body (o.k., maybe this part of the act is less comical than smelly and gross). The ruse is compromised, however, by the fact that if flipped right side up, the deceased immediately flips itself back over to its preferred lifeless pose. On occasion, an individual may also continue tongue flicking while upside down instead of hanging its tongue motionless. In addition to its unique rostral scale, the Western Hog-nosed Snake s head is further adorned with a chocolate mask and neck blotches. The species is a heavybodied snake with keeled scales, gray to tan ground color, and a series of darker blotches down its back and sides. The belly and underside of the tail are black with irregular yellow or orange blotches. The Plains subspecies (H. n. nasicus) may exceed 90 cm in total length, but the Mexican Hog-nosed Snake (H. n. kennerlyi reaches typical lengths of approximately 64 cm (Werler and Dixon 2000). The Western Hog-nosed Snake ranges from southwestern Manitoba and southeastern Saskatchewan, Canada; south through the U.S. Great Plains states (as far east as Illinois); through Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona; and into Mexico as far south as Zacatecas and San Luis Potosí (Stebbins 2003; Wright and Wright 1957). The species occurs primarily within prairies, open brushland and woodland, farmlands, and river floodplains, occasionally extending into semidesert areas or mountain canyon bottoms (Stebbins 2003). Arizona 98 SONORAN HERPETOLOGIST 19 (9) 2006

3 contains the Mexican subspecies within semidesert grassland and Chihuahuan desertscrub in Cochise, Graham, Pima, and Santa Cruz counties (Brennan and Holycross 2006). Rosen et al. (1996) found all individuals on the valley floor, none on the upper bajadas, during herpetofaunal surveys of the Sulphur Springs Valley, Cochise County. Western Hog-nosed Snakes are generally active during mornings and evenings, retreating to belowground shelter at night and during mid-day. When seeking shelter, the snake uses its specialized rostral scale as a spade to dig into loose sandy or loamy soil. Its keeled body scales also serve as cleats when pressed against a burrow wall to provide a firm grip while rooting into the soil. They also use small rodent burrows, but hog-nosed snakes rarely take cover below logs, boards, or other surface objects (Werler and Dixon 2000). The hognosed snake s digging adaptation and behavior also facilitate foraging for amphibians (mostly toads and frogs), reptiles, and the occasional mammal or bird. Particularly unusual prey in Nebraska includes the eggs of the Yellow Mud Turtle (Kinosternon flavescens), which may be responsible for the rare development of parental care in a turtle (Iverson 1990; the Desert Tortoise [Gopherus agassizii] is the only other chelonian reported to care for its eggs in the wild [Barrett and Humphrey 1986; Murray et al. 1996]). The Western Hog-nosed Snake uses its Jacobson s organ and tongue flicking to follow scent trails to its prey, hidden in a rodent tunnel or in the soil (Werler and Dixon 2000). This species also benefits from keen eyesight and surprisingly quick reflexes to ensnare relatively fastmoving prey on the surface (Kroll 1976), as I personally found out with a captive individual (see Envenomation by Western Hog-nosed Snakes, below). Whiptail lizards (Aspidoscelis spp.) have even been found in the diet (Ernst and Barbour 1989). Hog-nosed snakes do not constrict their prey, although they may press it beneath a loop of their body to help restrain it, and so risk losing vigorously struggling victims. However, Western Hog-nosed Snakes have yet another adaptation to overcome this apparent disadvantage. The generic name Heterodon refers to this adaptation and comes from the Greek, heteros (different or other) and odotos (tooth), in reference to enlarged, rear maxillary fangs (Beltz 2006; curiously, Conant and Collins [1991] do not include hog-nosed snakes with other colubrid rear-fanged snakes). These ungrooved fangs normally rest nearly parallel to the snake s head, pointing to the rear. When engaged, skull articulations allow the fangs to rotate downward to a 45-degree angle and penetrate the prey (Kroll 1976; Figure 3). Contrary to popular belief, the fangs are incapable of deflating toads during normal feeding behavior; they are simply too short (Kroll 1976). Rather, the enlarged teeth provide a strong grip and allow the introduction of venom from the salivary glands into the wound (read more about hog-nosed snake envenomation below). Hog-nosed snakes do possess specific adaptations to consume toads, however. Toad skin secretions are toxic to most snakes, but remarkably enlarged adrenal glands provide the hog-nosed snake with physiological resistance to these poisons (Werler and Dixon 2000). Mating usually occurs in the fall, although females at more northerly latitudes may breed only every other year. In June or July, females lay up to 23 eggs (average 9-10), each almost 4 cm long, below several cm of sandy or loamy soil. The young hatch approximately days later and measure cm in length. Males may reach sexual maturity as early as 21 months, but females typically require more than 2 years to attain breeding age (Werler and Dixon 2000). Even though the species has a relatively limited distribution in the state, Western Hog-nosed Snakes currently are not believed to be imperiled in Arizona. The species is not included on the list of Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Arizona (Arizona Game and Fish Department [AGFD] 2006). Although Rosen et al. (1996) only found road-killed specimens during their surveys, this is likely a result of their normally secretive nature but increased visibility and vulnerability when basking on paved roads. Hog-nosed snakes occur within the southern Apache Highlands ecoregion identified in Arizona s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy (AGFD 2006). Ranching is the dominant land use in this ecoregion, but human population growth, urbanization, traffic, and habitat fragmentation continue to increase. Other stressors to communities within this ecoregion, particularly within semidesert grassland and Chihuahuan desertscrub, include changes in ecological processes, such as unnatural fire regimes and habitat degradation/shrub invasion; climate change; and invasive species, especially exotic plants. AGFD (2006) paints a bleak picture for the future of much of the Western Hog-nosed Snake s habitat in the state and suggests that conservation goals should focus on protection of enough of these areas from development to restore them to ecological function. Envenomation by Western Hog-nosed Snakes The Western Hog-nosed Snake possesses a pair of enlarged venom glands behind the maxillae and rear fangs (Figure 3). Venom exits the glands through ducts connecting to the fang sheath. These glands are not enlarged in the Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platyrhinos; Kroll 1976). Kroll (1976) tested the effects of H. nasicus venom on a sample of 10 Eastern Fence Lizards (Sceloporus undulatus) by injecting each with 0.2 ml of venom extract. He found that all 10 lizards exhibited edema within about ½ hour, 7 were immobilized within an average of 1.7 hr, and 5 had died within an average of 3.7 hr (at least one within the first hour). Extracts from two other cranial glands During the evening the swelling spread to the middle knuckle of my ring finger, so I removed my wedding band to prevent further constriction. SONORAN HERPETOLOGIST 19(9)

4 Figure 2. Death feigning by the Western Hognosed Snake. Photo by A.T. Holycross. produced some swelling over longer time periods than from the venom glands, but resulted in immobilization and death in only 2 and 1 lizards, respectively. McAlister (1963) tested the effects of H. platyrhinos venom (up to 1.0 ml) on samples of adult male white mice and a series of small anurans and found no effects to the mice, but most of the anurans died within 24 hr. He concluded that Heterodon toxins would be ineffectual in producing symptoms in humans. I witnessed the Western Hog-nosed Snake s quick reflexes, as noted above, and experienced its envenomation first-hand on 9 July The specimen of interest is a 60-cm (total length) male snake that I collected in Runnels County, Texas, on 23 May 1990 (57 cm at capture) and have since maintained in captivity. The snake readily takes mice, is habituated to feeding, and is very alert to movement near its cage. On 9 July at about 2030h, I was changing its water bowl when the snake darted half way out of the cage s frontsliding door, apparently expecting a mouse. Not having a mouse, I gently placed my hand under its body and lifted it back into the cage. As I was setting it down, the snake whipped around and struck my left fifth finger on the inside surface of the middle knuckle, nearly encircling the entire finger. Since I had not been handling anything that could have left residual scent of a prey item, I initially expected the snake to release my finger when it discovered that it was not a mouse. I placed my hand and the snake on a coffee table to see if it would voluntarily release my finger. Contrary to my expectations, the snake forcefully began manipulating its jaws and engaged its rear fangs, which I could distinctly feel penetrating nearly to the bone (there s not much meat on my little finger!). Given the extent to which the snake s mouth encircled my finger, and not wanting to injure it during removal, I gently tried to pry its jaws away from my finger with a pencil. This only caused the snake to engage the opposite fang even more vigorously, producing increasingly sharp pain with each contraction of its jaws. Resorting to Plan B, I placed the snake and my finger under moderately flowing water from the kitchen faucet for almost a minute with no relief of the solid grip. Back to Plan A and the pencil: this time I dislodged the right rear fang with one pencil and used a second pencil to disengage the snake s lower jaw, allowing me to free my finger. This entire process lasted approximately 10 min. I then indelicately returned the snake to its cage, carrying it by the tip of its tail (think Crocodile Hunter handling an 8-foot black mamba). The wounds from the fangs bled freely, and I washed my hand with antibacterial soap and applied an un-medicated band-aid. With relief from the fangpiercing pain, I now experienced a milder stinging sensation in immediate vicinity of bite. My finger swelled slightly from the site of the bite to the distal knuckle, which prevented bending the finger. During the evening the swelling spread to the middle knuckle of my ring finger, so I removed my wedding band to prevent further constriction. By the end of the evening, the swollen area had increased about 5-6 cm along the outside of my hand and itched. On 10 July, the swelling extended an additional 2-3 cm along my hand, had a slight purplish coloration, and I was unable to ball a fist. The stinging and itching had subsided, but was replaced with a slight soreness. On 11 July, my hand had no discoloration, and the swelling was reduced in the fifth finger. My ring finger was still too swollen to wear my wedding band, and the swelling in my hand was similar to the previous day. I experienced mild, throbbing pain all day. On 12 July, all swelling had diminished, but the knuckle at the site of the bite was sensitive to touch or light pressure. Finally, all symptoms had disappeared by 13 July, 4 days after the bite. Several cases of hog-nosed snake envenomation of humans have been reported in the literature. My experience resembled those from H. nasicus bites reported by Bragg (1960), Kroll (1976), and Morris (1985), with various differences. Bragg, bitten on the thumb, experienced swelling about 1/3 the way up his arm; tenderness (not associated with the region of the wound) lasted for a period of about two weeks. Kroll experienced pain extending from a bite on his thumb up to his elbow. Morris suffered oozing blood and fluid until the day after a bite on his right fourth finger and 100 SONORAN HERPETOLOGIST 19 (9) 2006

5 developed blisters that lasted almost two days. Walley (2002) reported a more serious case, in which a middleaged male struck on the ankle experienced edema for three weeks, as well as extensive hemorrhaging that covered most of the foot and extended about 10 cm up the leg. Tissues did not return to normal for almost 3 months. Finally, Grogan (1974) reported envenomation from a bite by a H. platyrhinos near the wrist of a 16- year old boy. The boy experienced nausea in addition to swelling, discoloration, and tenderness. All pain had dissipated within 2 days, but pus, possibly from a secondary infection, was evident several days later. Morris (1985) noted that toxic effects had been reported for all recorded bites by H. nasicus, but only 1 of 3 by H. platyrhinos, suggesting that H. nasicus may have venom more toxic to mammals. This is consistent with the toxicity experiments conducted by McAlister (1963) and Kroll (1976), as well as the more specialized amphibian diet of H. platyrhinos (Werler and Dixon 2000). The larger venom gland of H. nasicus compared to H. platyrhinos (Kroll 1976) may also play a role in the amount of venom delivered, thus affecting subsequent reactions. Figure 3. Heterodon skull diagram showing rear fangs in resting position (above) and engaged (below). F, fang. Modified from Kroll (1976). The patterned oval shows the approximate location of the venom gland. Literature Cited Arizona Game and Fish Department Draft. Arizona s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix. Barrett, S. L., and J. A. Humphrey Agonistic interactions between Gopherus agassizii (Testudinidae) and Heloderma suspectum (Helodermatidae). Southwestern Naturalist 31: Beltz, E Scientific and Common Names of the Reptiles and Amphibians of North America Explained. August 5, Bragg, A. N Is Heterodon venomous? Herpetologica 16: Brennan, T. C., and A. T. Holycross A Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles in Arizona. Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix. Conant, R., and J. T. Collins A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians: Eastern and Central North America. Third Ed. Houghton Mifflin, Boston. Ernst, C. H., and R. W. Barbour Snakes of Eastern North America. George Mason Univ. Press, Fairfax, Virginia. Grogan, W. L Effects of accidental envenomation from the saliva of the Eastern Hognose Snake, Heterodon platyrhinos. Herpetologica 30: Iverson, J. B Nesting and parental care in the mud turtle, Kinosternon flavescens. Canadian Journal of Zoology 68: Kroll, J. C Feeding adaptations of hognose snakes. Southwestern Naturalist 20: McAlister, W. H Evidence of mild toxicity in the saliva of the hognose snake (Heterodon). Herpetologica 19: Morris, M. A Envenomation from the bite of Heterodon nasicus (Serpentes: Colubridae). Herpetologica 41: Murray, R. C., C. R. Schwalbe, S. J. Bailey, S. P. Cuneo, and S. D. Hart Reproduction in a population of the Desert Tortoise, Gopherus agassizii, in the Sonoran Desert. Herpetological Natural History 4: Rosen, P. C., S. S. Sartorius, C. R. Schwalbe, P. A. Holm, and C. H. Lowe Draft annotated checklist of the amphibians and reptiles of the Sulphur Springs Valley, Cochise County, Arizona. IIPAM Project No. I Report to Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix. Stebbins, R. C A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Third Ed. Houghton Mifflin, Boston. Walley, H. D An incident of envenomation from Heterodon nasicus. Bulletin of the Chicago Herpetological Society 37:31. Werler, J. E., and J. R. Dixon Texas Snakes: Identification, Distribution, and Natural History. Univ. Texas Press, Austin. Wright, A. H., and A. A. Wright Handbook of Snakes of the United States and Canada, 2 vols. Comstock, Ithaca, New York. SONORAN HERPETOLOGIST 19(9)

6 B O O K R E V I E W S Sonoita Plain: Views from a Southwestern Grassland Carl E. Bock and Jane H. Bock, photographs by Stephen E Strom. University of Arizona Press, Tucson. 121 pp. + xx. ISBN: Reviewed by Eric W. Stitt, EPG, Inc., 330 East 13 th Street, Tucson, Arizona, stitt@cox.net. section deals with the human footprint on southern Arizona s grasslands, with two concluding chapters (aptly named Border Crossings and Cows versus Condos ) providing eloquent and pithy summaries of current problems of which we are all aware. Sonoita Plain is punctuated throughout with photographs by Stephen Strom. Most are stunning and stylish, but their impact suffers because of their presentation. Often the only thing on an otherwise blank page, some are reduced to 3.5 X 1.5 on a 10 X 10 page! On some pages three photos are presented side-by-side as a panoramic, but the overall ratio of blank page to photograph size was disconcerting to me. That aside, Sonoita Plain: Views From a Southwestern Grassland deserves a place on any southwestern naturalist s bookshelf. Parental Behavior in Lepidosaurian and Testudinian Reptiles: A Literature Survey Louis A. Somma. Krieger Publishing Co., Malabar, Florida. 174 pp. + x. ISBN: X. Grasslands are not what most people associate with Arizona. Saguaros? Yes. Rattlesnakes, the Grand Canyon, and PAC-10 basketball? Check. However, I dare suggest that for most people across the country, desert and Arizona are synonymous, and the heterogeneity of the landscape here goes unappreciated by the larger populace. As herp enthusiasts, I m sure we all we recognize that grasslands are unique, perhaps underappreciated ecosystems in Arizona that harbor a unique complement of species. A new book serves as homage to Arizona s grasslands and the flora and fauna contained within. Carl and Jane Bock have spent the better part of 35 years studying the ecology of southwestern grasslands at the Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch in southeastern Arizona. Their new book, Sonoita Plain: Views From a Southwestern Grassland, is part Sand County Almanac-inspired ecological narrative and part Andy Goldsworthy-inspired photo-essay. While obviously not a herp book, Sonoita Plain describes climate, fire, and other processes that maintain Arizona s grasslands. Biodiversity of grasslands is covered by several essays on birds, misdiagnosed weeds, other plants, mammals, and, yes, snakes. A complex world of inter-species interactions is discussed within these short essays, and the authors do a great job of explaining fascinating systems in a down-to-earth way. A last Reviewed by Eric W. Stitt, EPG, Inc., 330 East 13 th Street, Tucson, Arizona, stitt@cox.net. First, some orientation is in order. The Lepidosaurs are that taxonomic group that includes the squamates (snakes, lizards and amphisbaens) together with the Rhynchocephalians (tuataras), while the Testudinians encompasses all turtles. Thus, the aim of this book is to compile literature citations of parental behavior among these two broad reptilian groups not generally known for exhibiting parental care. This is unlike the sometimes abundant information documented for the Archosaurs, a group that includes the typical reptile groups of Crocodylia (crocodilians) and atypical reptiles known as Aves (birds). Thus, compiling the literature reports of parental behaviors in the Lepidosaurs and Testudinians is a worthy service that, first, summarizes our state of knowledge regarding this fascinating topic, and, second, provides researchers and other interested individuals with a ready-made source of data with which to add one s own findings. In the introduction, Somma defines parental care to include only behaviors that commence after nest building and egg laying, explaining that the latter behaviors are common among the groups in question. He asserts however, that social relationships between parents and progeny have been widely neglected in 102 SONORAN HERPETOLOGIST 19 (9) 2006

7 both groups. A true statement, and the basis for the book under discussion. In the first part of the book, Somma provides criteria for inclusion into his list of citations and provides categories under which all references fell. An interesting decision is his inclusion of materials from Reptile and Amphibian magazine, Reptiles magazine, and assorted hobbyist books such as those from T. F. H. (Are such [non-peer reviewed] sources appropriate to include in a scholarly work? Perhaps, but feel free to discuss among yourselves.) Somma then synthesizes behaviors for different taxonomic groups and by species within groups. The second part of the book provides the raw citations. Many early works (19 th and early 20 th centuries) are included, and the most recent citation I found was from 2001, two years prior to the book s publication date. The books citations span across cultures as well. Among these, Somma includes many (primarily European) citations. Not for bedtime reading, Parental Behavior in Lepidosaurian and Testudinian Reptiles nonetheless provides a much-needed synopsis for those studying behaviors in these reptilian groups. Frogs: Inside their Remarkable World Ellin Beltz. Firefly Books LTD., Richmond Hill, Ontario. 175 pp. $34.95 US. ISBN: Reviewed by Eric W. Stitt, EPG, Inc., 330 East 13 th Street, Tucson, Arizona, stitt@cox.net. Books about frogs are common and run the gamut in quality and intended audience. Too commonly, it seems, frogs are the subject of those thin coffee-table books. You know the ones: they re usually being blown out in stacks at Borders or Barnes and Noble. They inevitably feature stunning photography (usually with a heavy emphasis on dart frogs [Dendrobatidae] and red-eyed treefrogs [Agalychnis callidryas]). But, while heavy on style, they usually lack substance. Such was the basis for my cynicism when I picked up Ellin Beltz s Frogs: Inside Their Remarkable World. Immediately judging the book by its cover, I groaned when I saw the larger than life Agalychnis gracing the dustjacket. My concern was completely unfounded, however. This book is much more than what its title or dustjacket convey on first glance. In a conversational style, Beltz first leads us through a general natural history of anurans. An extensive discussion of anuran taxonomy follows, followed by chapters on anatomy and physiology, ecology, frogs in mythology and culture, and an epilogue. The main body of the book is followed by an appendix named frog miscellany, a glossary, references, photo credits, and an index. A common theme pervades the book: frogs are facing innumerable threats to their survival. Beltz discusses these conservation issues in detail. Indeed, Chapter 4, Environment and Adaptation, is almost entirely devoted to the conservation biology of frogs, and provides a more thorough discussion than some newer herpetology textbooks. Frogs: Inside Their Remarkable World is slightly unbalanced. As stated before, the photographs and other graphics evoke a coffee-table book where the emphasis is on looking at pictures. However, the text throughout is sometimes technical, and surprisingly detailed and accurate. Thus, the true audience for Beltz s book may be undergraduate and graduate students, and amateur and professional herpetologists. In fact, I can see this book used as a supplemental text for a high school or college herpetology class. Paired with a true herpetology or zoology text, Frogs: Inside Their Remarkable World offers an aesthetically pleasing, yet accurate (and sobering), synopsis of frogs and the current troubles in frogdom. SONORAN HERPETOLOGIST 19(9)

8 Sonoran Desert Toad (Bufo alvarius). Photo by Eric W. Stitt. In Defense of Toads and Activism Young Cage President, Tucson Herpetological Society, Tucson, Arizona, USA. Last month as I glanced at the newspaper s editorial page I came across a letter that, in a nasty way, blamed toads for poisoning a dog and the media for not alerting pet owners to that danger. According to the writer, toad poisons were to blame for his dog s convulsions, and that nobody had warned him of this danger. His conclusion was that he felt that anything resembling a toad was a threat. The implication was that he would kill them all, whenever found, and that you, the reader, should do the same. Well, I don t write many letters to the editor, but this one screamed for a response. My letter was published in the Arizona Daily Star on July 18 th. Don t kill toads, watch your dog Re: The July 13 letter to the editor Keep your pets away from toads After reading this toxic letter, it seemed time to do some toad defending. These delightful critters already face enormous pressures from diminishing habitat, introduced predators and poisons. Many organizations and volunteers are dedicated to helping them. Yes, toads can have varying degrees of toxins on their skins and can occasionally poison dogs. But, that is not a common occurrence. When a poisoning does happen it is not the fault of the toad, or the dog; it is the fault of the owner, who has likely left their dog unattended, and the results fall on their shoulders. So when I read a comment like get rid of anything resembling a toad that your dog could grab, I have to respond with leave the toads alone, keep a better watch on your dog. I think it is much the better solution. Young Cage President, Tucson Herpetological Society After writing this letter I began thinking about activism and involvement. So many things are negatively impacting our environment. And, although many people would view my involvement with these issues as somewhat proactive, I feel as if I am not doing enough to help with the causes that I am most passionate about. So, I began asking myself: How do you best and most effectively protect the wildlife we love? Is it by writing letters (only 4 or 5 people I know read my letter)? Perhaps by doing more talks on wildlife? Talking with the neighbors after they have found (or sometimes killed) an animal? Perhaps the best thing is to yell at people after they have run over an animal? Most of these activities affect only a small group of people, and at times it seems so ineffective. Perhaps I should be joining protests and maybe sitting high in ancient trees (painful here in our Saguaro forests)? Should I take a boat ride with Greenpeace? Perhaps the publicity generated by these groups does help reach more people. But, I have always worked the middle ground. I ve worked for consensus between divergent groups while leaving the extreme positions to others. While I have always admired outfits like Greenpeace, I have not been out there on the boats. And frankly, I probably will not, it s just not me. But I have an admiration for those on the fringe (as long as they are not hurting people or animals). However, I do think that the interesting part of these extreme groups is that their positions help redefine the middle ground. And this allows me to slide out farther than I could before, and still be in the middle. Overall, I believe this benefits environmental positions. Perhaps the best way to effect change would be to become more political. After all, until attitudes change in Phoenix and Washington politically, our beautiful desert and its wildlife will continue to be bulldozed. You can see from the repeated use of the word perhaps here that the only conclusion I came to is that there is no ONE course of action. We need to do all of the above, or as many as our time, abilities, and comfort level allow. We need to rededicate ourselves to work the cause. That means taking advantage of all forums possible to present our views and educate. So, I will be warming up my computer (and my brain) to write letters to the editor when needed. And for me, keep working that middle ground. And of course, VOTE. 104 SONORAN HERPETOLOGIST 19 (9) 2006

9 Upcoming Tucson Herpetological Society Events and Volunteer Needs The Tucson Herpetological Society is planning to have a table at the following events, and any member wishing to help staff the table should contact the person listed: 30 September-1 October - Tucson Reptile Show (Robert Villa, herpsandviolin@aol.com) 7 October - Pioneer Day, Vail (Robert Villa, Bill Savary) And a final reminder: THS Annual Elections and the annual Photo Contest will be held at the November membership meeting on Tuesday, November 21, see the notes below for more information. Raffle at September Meeting We are going to have another awesome raffle at the September THS meeting. There will some great prizes to choose from...so don t forget your money! I will have a table at the front of the room for everyone to purchase tickets and peruse the prizes before the meeting and one last time at the end of the meeting before I pick the big winners. Tickets are only $1.00 each and all proceeds go to THS. Hope to see you at the meeting Robin Llewellyn, Raffle Director THS 2007 Elections At the November general meeting, elections will be held for open positions on the THS Board of Directors. President Young Cage has appointed three members to the 2007 Nomination Committee. They are Cristina Jones, Marty Tuegel, and Erin Zylstra (chair). The nomination committee must present a slate of candidates (4 officers and 3 directors) to the current Board of Directors at the October business meeting. The committee would like to have multiple candidates for each of the positions. They would like to encourage any member who might be interested in serving the society as an officer or director, to contact any of the nomination committee members. Cristina Jones Marty Tuegel Erin Zylstra cajones@u.arizona.edu mtuegel@cox.net erinzylstra@hotmail.com Any other nominations may be submitted directly to the Board by 10 or more members with the consent of the candidate, and must be received at least two weeks prior to the November general meeting (received 7 Nov 2006 for the 21 Nov 2006 member meeting). THS 2007 Photo Contest The Tucson Herpetological Society will hold its 2nd Photo Contest this fall. Submissions will be due on November 1st. The November general THS meeting will be dedicated to the display, discussion, and selection of winning photos (in addition to the THS elections). Keep an eye out in the SH and on the THS website for upcoming details. Check out last year's terrific winners at contest/photocontestgallery.html. As good as they were, we know you have pictures that will compete this year. Be sure to enter! This year's categories include: 1) Best amphibian photos within our 100 mile circle 2) Best turtle /tortoise photos within our 100 mile circle 3) Best lizard photos within our 100 mile circle 4) Best pit viper photos within our 100 mile circle 5) Best snake (non pit viper) photos from within the 100 mile circle 6) Best behavioral/natural history photos from within our 100 mile circle 8) Best herp photos from outside our 100 mile circle (but still in Sonoran Desert geographic area) 9) **NEW** Unlimited photo editing category: All processing and compositing allowed! Final images must relate to the THS goal of promoting education, conservation and scientific study of Sonoran Desert herpetofauna. Photos and illustrations can be used. ALL media used in image production MUST have been produced by entrant. Two entries per category and ten total per entrant. The Photo Contest Committee reserves right of refusal on images deemed inappropriate to the goals of the THS. SONORAN HERPETOLOGIST 19(9)

10 B O A R D M E E T I N G S Y N O P S I S 29 August 2006 Robert L. Bezy, Secretary Directors Present: Robert Bezy, Kevin Bonine, Young Cage, Dennis Caldwell, Paul Condon, Kent Jacobs, Robert Villa, Erin Zylstra. Directors Absent:, Taylor Edwards, Elissa Ostergaard, Brian Wooldridge. Members Present: Marty Tuegel. Treasurer s Report Kent Jacobs 24 August 2006 Beginning Balance $9, Deposits $1, Expenses $ Ending Balance $9, Speaker s Bureau $1, Jarchow Award $45.00 FTHL Fund $ Lowe Research Fund $2, General Fund $6, CRHSD CD $8, Itemized Deposits: Membership $849,00, Donation Itemized Expenses: Postage $351.00, dinner for speaker $20.00, Son. Herpetologist $ Donation: The Board expresses gratitude to Justin Congdon and Nancy Dickson for a generous donation to the Society. Committee Reports Website Marty Tuegel. The speaker has been updated, the photo contest information will be posted soon, and significant progress has been made in posting Sonoran Herpetology papers. Conservation Dennis Caldwell. The Saguaro National Park area ponds are maintaining leopard frogs but are experiencing an influx of bullfrogs. The board approved sending a letter in support of the proposed safe harbor agreement for Rana chricahuensis. Program Elissa Ostergaard. The lineup of speakers includes: 19 September Taylor Edwards 17 October - D. Swann and D. Caldwell 15 November Photo contest and elections 19 December Philip Brown 16 January Trevor Hare 20 February Larry Jones Old Business Phrynosoma mcallii Kevin Bonine. Kevin participated in a lengthy conference call regarding future options. The board approved a motion to continue support for the effort to federally list the species. THS Photo Contest Paul Condon. The committee has drafted contest rules and a list of nine categories and their descriptions. These will be posted on the website, with 1 November as the deadline. THS apparel will be awarded in lieu of ribbons. Elections Erin Zylstra. The committee (Erin, Marty Tuegel, and Cristina Jones) have identified candidates for all open positions. THS Logo Hats Dennis Caldwell. The Board discussed approved that Dennis investigate costs for production of the hat embroidery template. New Business Coalition for Sonoran Desert Conservation Young Cage. The Board approved a motion to contribute $100 to the Coalition. M E M B E R S H I P U P D A T E Membership Information Individual $20 Sustaining $30 Family $25 Contributing $50 Student $14 Life $500 To receive a membership form and recent issue of Sonoran Herpetologist call (520) or write: Tucson Herpetological Society P. O. Box 709 Tucson AZ Time to Renew Your THS Membership? I hope this is a helpful reminder to those of you whose membership renewal is due this month. Please call or with corrections and errors or dhardysr@theriver.com Dave Hardy Sr., Membership Secretary Due in September Arizona Game & Fish Department George Ferguson Elissa Ostergaard Jeffrey Servoss Richard & Frances Zweifel Joshua Capps Brooke Gebow Michael Samuels Frank Slavens Erin Zylstra Membership Update - 5 September 2006 Life Members Justin Congdon & Nancy Dickson Contributing Member Matt Goode New Members Joseph Mitchell Stephen & Teresa Steward Jarchow Conservation Award Cristina Jones & Joe Beals Douglas, AZ Tucson Richmond, VA Tucson Phoenix, AZ C.H. Lowe Herpetological Research Fund Justin Congdon & Nancy Dickson Douglas, AZ 106 SONORAN HERPETOLOGIST 19 (9) 2006

11 Sonoran Herpetologist is the newsletter-journal of the Tucson Herpetological Society, and is Copyright The contents of Sonoran Herpetologist may be reproduced for inclusion in the newsletters of other herpetological societies provided the material is reproduced without change and with appropriate credit, and a copy of the publication is sent to the Tucson Herpetological Society. Occasional exceptions to this policy will be noted. Contents are indexed in Zoological Record. A complete set of back issues are available in the Special Collections area of the University of Arizona library. They are accompanied by a copy of The Collected Papers of the Tucson Herpetological Society, Editor Don Swann, donswann@dakotacom.net Associate Editors Dale Turner, dturner@theriver.com Robert Bezy, bezyr@theriver.com Art Editor Dennis Caldwell, dennis@caldwell-design.com Book Review Editor Eric Stitt, stitt@cox.net Distribution Fred Wilson, fredtj@comcast.net Trevor Hare, trevor@skyislandalliance.org Membership Dave Hardy Sr., dhardysr@theriver.com Information for Contributors Authors should submit original articles, notes, book reviews to the Editor, either via using an attached word processed manuscript or by mail to the Society s address. The manuscript style should follow that of Journal of Herpetology and other publications of the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. For further information, please contact the editor. The Tucson Herpetological Society is dedicated to conservation, education, and research concerning the amphibians and reptiles of Arizona and Mexico. Tucson Herpetological Society is a registered non-profit organization. Officers President Young Cage, ydcage@aol.com Vice President Kevin Bonine, kebonine@u.arizona.edu Secretary Bob Bezy, bezyr@theriver.com Treasurer Kent Jacobs, jacobskent@earthlink.net Directors Dennis Caldwell, dennis@caldwell-design.com Paul Condon, ptcondon@comcast.net Elissa Ostergaard, elissaost@gmail.com Robert Villa, herpsandviolin@aol.com Brian Wooldridge, c_scutulatus@yahoo.com Erin Zylstra, erinzylstra@hotmail.com Past President Taylor Edwards, taylore@u.arizona.edu Society Activities Monthly Members Meeting Elissa Ostergaard, Program Chair 3rd Tuesday, 7:15 PM Board of Directors Meeting Last Tuesday of each month (except December), 7:00 PM Arizona Game and Fish Department Office 555 North Greasewood Road Speakers Bureau (scheduled presentations) Robert Villa, Director Ed Moll, Director Conservation Committee Dennis Caldwell, Director Herpetological Information Hotline Bob Brandner Jarchow Conservation Award Taylor Edwards, Chairperson Publications: Sonoran Herpetologist, Backyard Ponds brochure, Living with Venomous Reptiles brochure, THS Herp Coloring Book, THS Collected Papers, THS Internet World Wide Webpage Marty Tuegel, Webmaster, mtuegel@yahoo.com Deadline for Sonoran Herpetologist 19(10): September 15 For more information about the THS and the reptiles and amphibians of the Tucson area visit tucsonherpsociety.org SONORAN HERPETOLOGIST 19(9)

12 Your membership has expired. This is your only reminder. Please renew! September 2006, Volume 19, Number 9 HERPETOFAUNA OF THE 100 MILE CIRCLE 98 Natural History of the Western Hog-nosed Snake BOOK REVEWS 102 Sonoita Plain - Views from a Southwestern Grassland 102 Parental Behavior in Lepidosaurian and Testudinian Reptiles 103 Frogs: Inside their Remarkable World SHORT ARTICLE 104 In Defense of Toads and Activism 108 SONORAN HERPETOLOGIST 19 (9) 2006