Michael Starkey. The Amphibian Extinction Crisis: Current threats facing amphibian populations, and what you can do about it!

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1 Volume 25 September January 2012 Number 91 THIS MONTH S SPEAKER Michael Starkey The Amphibian Extinction Crisis: Current threats facing amphibian populations, and what you can do about it! 7:15 PM Tuesday, 18 September University of Arizona, BIO5/Keating Building 1657 East Helen Street Amphibian populations around the world are declining at an alarming rate and nearly one-third of the world s amphibian species are on the verge of extinction. Up to 200 species have completely disappeared since This is not normal! Why is this happening? What is causing this Amphibian Extinction Crisis? How can you help? Michael Starkey, SAVE THE FROGS! Advisory Committee Chairman and Ecologist, answers these questions by explaining what is causing the Amphibian Extinction Crisis and informs the audience about how we as a society can help out amphibians around the globe. Founded in 2008, SAVE THE FROGS! is America s first and only public charity dedicated to amphibian conservation. Our mission is to protect amphibian populations and to promote a society that respects and appreciates nature and wildlife. The presentation features many of Mr. Starkey s photos of amphibians from around the world, and there will be a question and answer session following the presentation. Mr. Starkey has worked as an ecological consultant for environmental consulting firms and government agencies such as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish & Game. He has worked with a wide diversity of California wildlife, including California Tiger Salamanders, San Francisco Garter Snakes, Giant Garter Snakes, bats, and ringtails. He has also worked at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama, studying larval development and parental behavior of the Neotropical frog, Leptodactylus insularum. After witnessing the result of widespread extinction of amphibians in the Panamanian rainforest, Mr. Starkey became dedicated to conserving amphibian species around the world. Mr. Starkey began volunteering with SAVE THE FROGS! in 2010 to inform the public about the threats facing amphibians and to help nurture a society that respects and cherishes all forms of wildlife. Mr. Starkey serves as Chairman of the Advisory Committee. In this position, he rallies together scientists, volunteers, and others in order to help broaden SAVE THE FROGS mission of conservation. Mr. Starkey regularly gives lectures on amphibian conservation at universities, schools, and to public interest groups. Michael Starkey in Guatemala with a critically endangered frog, Plectrohyla hartwegi. Photo by Liza Garcia. FEATURE ARTICLE 83 Preliminary Report: Occurrence of the Fungal Skin Disease Organism, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, in Amphibians of Northwestern and Central Mexico by Diana Zamora-Bárcenas et al. NATURAL HISTORY NOTE 88 Mourning Dove in the Diet of the Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) in Arizona by James C. Rorabaugh SHORT ARTICLE 90 Conservation and Awareness of Amphibians in Third World Countries: Agricultural Hazards and Amphibians Biodiversity Loss by Suman Pratihar ANNOUNCEMENT 91 Service Determines that the Desert Massasauga May Warrant Federal Protection as Endangered or Threatened NEXT MONTH S SPEAKER Marty Feldner The Road to Understanding: The Fun Part of Herpetology Tuesday, 16 October Tucson Herpetological Society meetings are open to the public and are held on the third Tuesday of each month starting at 7:15 PM SONORAN HERPETOLOGIST 25 (9)

2 Preliminary Report: Occurrence of the Fungal Skin Disease Organism, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, in Amphibians of Northwestern and Central Mexico Diana Zamora-Bárcenas 1,3, James C. Rorabaugh 2,4, and Carlos A. López González 1,5 1 Laboratorio de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro. Av. De las Ciencias S/N, Col. Juriquilla, Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro. C.P P.O. Box 31, Saint David, Arizona, USA 85630; daj_zb@msn.com 3 ; jrorabaugh@hotmail.com 4 ; cats4mex@aol.com 5 The worldwide diversity of amphibians has been threatened for several decades (Waldman et al. 2001, Stuart et al. 2004). A critical first step in a comprehensive conservation strategy for this group is to identify biotic and abiotic factors that contribute to its alarming decline. Several hypotheses have been developed in an attempt to explain the crisis facing amphibians today. These hypotheses are based on factors such as habitat loss, anthropogenic effects, and effects of introduced species (Daszak et al. 2003, Kats and Ferrer 2003). Several studies have reported a chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd; Storfer 2003, Daszak et al. 2003) and the skin disease it causes chytridiomycosis as a principal agent in the decline of amphibian populations and the cause of the extinction of some species around the world. Within the chytrids, Bd is the only species that affects vertebrates (Berger et al. 1999, Pessier et al. 1999). Skin infection is characterized by a thickening of the epidermis (hyperplasia with hyperkeratosis orthokeratotic) (Pessier 1999, Bradley et al. 2002). Bd infection causes inhibition of electrolyte transport across the epidermis, reduction of plasma sodium and potassium concentrations, and ultimately asystolic cardiac arrest, resulting in death (Voyles et al. 2010). In Mexico, the decline of amphibian populations and species is no different. However, there are few studies about the patterns, causes, and effects of the crisis in the country. Evidence of Bd has been found in localities in Guerrero (Lips et al. 2004), Chiapas (Quintero-Díaz et al. 2004), Sonora (Hale et al. 2005), Oaxaca and Puebla (Santos-Barrera 2004) and Chihuahua (R. Jennings, pers. comm. 2010). For example, Frías-Álvarez et al. (2008) reported 14 species infected in 13 locations (mostly located along the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt). The objective of this study is to better understand the distribution of Bd and chytridiomycosis in Mexico, identify species and populations of amphibians affected by the infection, and provide basic information to help determine the biotic and abiotic factors involved in the occurrence of the disease in northwestern and central Mexico. Methods Figure 1. Map of localities surveyed for analysis and detection of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis by PCR in Sonora, Mexico. Sites included localities on the Northern Jaguar Reserve and Cajon Bonito. We visited several localities in the states of Sonora (Figure 1), Guanajuato, and Queretaro (Figure 2) during the months of May, June, July, and August Amphibians were collected by hand with latex gloves that were discarded after handling each animal to avoid spreading disease among animals and contaminating samples. The snout-vent length was measured. Skin was scraped with sterile, cotton tipped applicators, passing them five times along both thighs, in the pelvic region, and interdigital membranes. The applicators were cut at a distance of 2-3 cm from the tip of the cotton swab and placed in sterile centrifuge tubes with 70% ethanol for later analysis with Polymerase Chain The worldwide diversity of amphibians has been threatened for several decades (Waldman et al. 2001, Stuart et al. 2004). A critical first step in a comprehensive conservation strategy for this group is to identify biotic and abiotic factors that contribute to its alarming decline. SONORAN HERPETOLOGIST 25 (9)

3 Reaction analysis (PCR). All animals were released at the time; only dead or dying individuals were collected, which were preserved in ethanol and deposited in the herpetological collection of the Universidad Autonoma de Querétaro (UAQ) in Mexico, for subsequent histological analysis. We also examined previously collected specimens from central Mexico on deposit with the zoology laboratory of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the UAQ. These specimens, which were preserved in 70% ethanol or 70% formalin, were examined histologically for evidence of Bd infection. Skin sections of 5 5 mm were made on the pelvic area, legs, and thighs of each specimen collected. These areas are prone to lesions caused by the amphibian chytrid fungus (Pessier et al. 1999). The sections were embedded in paraffin, cut with microtome at 10 µ, and stained with hematoxylineosin. Preliminary Results To date, 45 amphibian skin scrapings, comprising 13 species (Appendix 1), have been collected for subsequent analysis by PCR. During a late January 2010 visit to Arroyo Babisal on the Northern Jaguar Reserve in Sonora, we sampled individuals of, which showed signs of chytridiomycosis (lethargy and thickening of the epidermis). In addition, a dead adult L. tarahumarae was observed at that locality in April 2010, and a dead adult and a dead juvenile L. tarahumarae were observed in April However, until we perform the PCR analysis, we will not be able to confirm the infection. No PCR tests have been run on any of the samples yet. We are seeking additional funding to support this work. Histological tests have been performed on 12 specimens from the collection of UAQ (Appendix 2), collected in Hidalgo and Querétaro in central Mexico (Figure 3). Of those, we have found that one individual of Lithobates berlandieri collected in the state of Hidalgo was infected with chytridiomycosis (Figure 4). Also, during a 2010 visit to localities near Rosario de Tesopaco in the municipality of Rosario, Sonora, we found a dying individual of Lithobates magnaocularis (Figure 5). However, at first sight the specimen did not appear to show signs of Bd infection. In addition, next to where it was sighted, we found a creek with several skeletons of frogs (Figure 6). Nevertheless, because the visit to these localities was conducted as part of another study, we did not have the time or the necessary material for the collection of specimens. In June 2009, at Rancho Los Fresnos northwest of Cananea, Sonora, we observed a large Lithobates catesbeianus tadpole with loss of pigmentation in the normally black, keratinized mouthparts (Figure 7). Although absent PCR confirmation, this is a symptom of Bd infection (Knapp and Morgan 2006), suggesting the tadpole was infected. The disease organism is known from a few km north in the San Rafael Valley and in the adjacent Huachuca Mountains, Arizona, USA (Davidson et al. 2003; Abigail King, pers. comm. 2010). These observations indicate that further research is needed about the factors involved in the decline of amphibians. Local and regional extinctions may be happening right now without documentation. PCR analysis of samples collected during this study is on hold until further funding can be secured to process them. Figure 2. Map of localities surveyed for analysis and detection of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis by PCR in Central of Mexico. Figure 3. Map of localities in which histology of amphibians has been examined in Central Mexico. Local and regional extinctions may be happening right now without documentation. PCR analysis of samples collected during this study is on hold until further funding can be secured to process them. SONORAN HERPETOLOGIST 25 (9)

4 Figure 4. Section of skin (a, b) from one specimen of Lithobates berlandieri infected with Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis collected in the state of Hidalgo. Clearly seen mature sporangia containing zoospores (arrow) in the stratum corneum (EC), 100. Figure 5. Dying Lithobates magnaocularis from near Rosario de Tesopaco, Sonora, Mexico. Dorsal and ventral views of the same frog. Figure 6. Skeleton (a) and individual decaying (b) were found in a creek (c) near Rosario de Tesopaco, Sonora, Mexico. SONORAN HERPETOLOGIST 25 (9)

5 Acknowledgements Research has been supported for this first phase by the C.H. Lowe Award of the Tucson Herpetological Society in 2010, and by the Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro. We thank Norma Hernández-Camacho (Laboratorio de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, UAQ) for laboratory assistance and support. Thanks to personnel of the Northern Jaguar Reserve for their assistance and help in field. Eugenia Espinosa, Miguel Gómez, Jaime Navarijo, Daniel Ávila, Evelyn Ponce, Nalleli Lara, Alejandro González, Helí Coronel, and Abigail King helped us take samples in field. Literature Cited Berger L., R. Speare, and A.D. Hyatt Chytrid fungi and amphibian declines: overview, implications and future directions. In: Campbell A. (ed.) Declines and disappearances of Australian frogs. Environment Australia: Canberra: Bradley G.A., P.C. Rosen, M.J. Sredl, T.R. Jones, and J.E. Longcore Chytridiomycosis in native Arizona frogs. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 38(1): Daszak P., A.A. Cunningham, and A.D. Hyatt Infectious disease and amphibian population declines. Diversity and Distributions 9: Davidson E.W., M. Parris, J.P. Collins, J.E. Longcore, A.P. Pessier, and J. Brunner Pathogenicity and transmission of chytridiomycosis in tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum). Copeia 2003(3): Frías-Álvarez P., V.T. Vredenburg, M. Familiar-López, J.E. Longcore, E. González-Bernal, G. Santos- Barrera, L. Zambrano, and G. Parra-Olea Chytridiomycosis survey in wild and captive Mexican amphibians. EcoHealth. 5: Hale, S.F., P.C. Rosen, J.L. Jarchow, and G.A. Bradley Effects of the chytrid fungus on the Tarahumara Frog (Rana tarahumarae) in Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. Pages in: G.J. Gottfried, B.S. Gebow, L.G. Eskew, and C.B. Edminster (eds.), Connecting Mountain Islands and Desert Seas: Biodiversity and Management of the Madrean Archipelago II, Tucson, Arizona, USA. Figure 7. Lithobates catesbeianus tadpole mouthparts showing severe loss of pigmentation in the keratinized labial teeth rows and mandibles, a symptom of Bd infection. Los Fresnos Cienega, Rancho Los Fresnos, Sonora. Kats L.B., and R.P. Ferrer Alien predators and amphibian declines: review of two decades of science and the transition to conservation. Diversity and Distributions. Special Issue: amphibian declines 9: Knapp R.A., and J.A.T. Morgan Tadpole mouthpart depigmentation as an accurate indicator of chytridiomycosis, an emerging disease of amphibians. Copeia 2006: Lips K.R., J.R. Mendelson, A. Muñoz-Alonso, L. Canseco-Márquez, and D.G. Mulcahy Amphibian population declines in montane southern México: resurveys of historical localities. Biological Conservation 119: Pessier A.P., D.K. Nichols, J.E. Longcore, and M.S. Fuller Cutaneous chytridiomycosis in poison dart frogs (Dendrobates spp.) and White s tree frogs (Litoria caerulea). Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation 11: Quintero-Díaz G.E., A. Muñoz-Alonso, K. Lips, and E. Naranjo-Piñera Frecuencia de anormalidades y evidencias de infección por un hongo quitridio en larvas de anuros, en dos zonas montañosas de Chiapas. In: Resúmenes VIII Reunión Nacional de Herpetología, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México: División Académica de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, pp 99. Santos-Barrera, G Enfermedades infecciosas en poblaciones de anfibios. Biodiversitas 56:1-6. Storfer, A Amphibian declines: Future directions. Diversity and Distributions 9: Stuart S.N., M. Hoffman, J.S. Chanson, N.A. Cox, R.J. Berridge, P. Ramani, and B.E. Young (eds.) Threatened Amphibians of the World. IUCN, Research has been supported for this first phase by the C.H. Lowe Award of the Tucson Herpetological Society in 2010, and by the Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro. We thank Norma Hernández- Camacho for laboratory assistance and support. SONORAN HERPETOLOGIST 25 (9)

6 Gland Switzerland; Conservation International, Arlington, Virginia, USA, and Lynx Edicions, Barcelona, Spain. 758 pp. Voyles J., S. Young, L. Berger, C. Campbell, W.F. Voyles, A. Dinudom, D. Cook, R. Webb, R.A. Alford, L.F. Skerratt, and R. Speare Pathogenesis of chytridiomycosis, a cause of catastrophic amphibian declines. Science 326: Waldman B., K.E. Van de Wolfshaar, J.E. Klena, V. Andjic, P.J. Bishop, and R.J.B. Norman Chytridiomycosis in New Zealand frogs. Surveillance 28(3):9-11. Appendix 1. List of species and localities surveyed for analysis and detection of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis by PCR. Species Mexican State UTM Coordinates (X, Y) Elevation (m) No. Individuals IUCN Red List Date collected Ambystoma velasci Guanajuato LC August 2010 Ambystoma velasci Guanajuato LC August 2010 Ambystoma velasci Guanajuato LC August 2010 Anaxyrus punctatus Sonora LC July 2010 Anaxyrus punctatus Guanajuato LC August 2010 Anaxyrus punctatus Guanajuato LC August 2010 Anaxyrus punctatus Guanajuato LC September 2010 Anaxyrus punctatus Guanajuato LC September 2010 Anaxyrus woodhousii Sonora LC June 2010 Eleutherodactylus sp. Guanajuato LC August 2010 Hyla arenicolor Sonora LC April 2010 Hyla arenicolor Guanajuato LC September 2010 Hyla arenicolor Sonora LC June 2010 Incilius alvarius Sonora LC July 2010 Incilius mazatlanensis Sonora LC May 2010 Lithobates berlandieri Guanajuato LC August 2010 Lithobates berlandieri Guanajuato LC August 2010 Lithobates berlandieri Guanajuato LC August 2010 Lithobates berlandieri Guanajuato LC August 2010 Lithobates berlandieri Guanajuato LC August 2010 Lithobates berlandieri Guanajuato LC August 2010 Lithobates sp. Guanajuato Nd August 2010 Lithobates sp. Guanajuato Nd August 2010 Lithobates spectabilis Guanajuato LC August 2010 Lithobates spectabilis Guanajuato LC August 2010 Lithobates spectabilis Guanajuato LC August 2010 Lithobates spectabilis Guanajuato LC August 2010 Lithobates tarahumarae Sonora V April 2010 Lithobates tarahumarae Sonora V June 2010 Lithobates yavapaiensis Sonora LC May 2010 Lithobates yavapaiensis Sonora LC June 2010 Lithobates yavapaiensis Sonora LC June 2010 Lithobates yavapaiensis Sonora LC June 2010 Rhinella marina Querétaro LC September 2010 Spea multiplicata Sonora LC July 2010 IUCN Red List Category: LC, Least Concern; VU, Vulnerable; Nd, No data SONORAN HERPETOLOGIST 25 (9)

7 Appendix 2. List of species in the herpetological collection of the Universidad Autónoma de Queretaro examined by histology. Species Mexican State UTM Coordinates (X, Y) Elevation (m) Date collected No. Individuals examined No. Individuals infected Anaxyrus punctatus Querétaro October LC Craugastor augusti Hidalgo November LC Ecnomiohyla myotimpanum Hidalgo April NT Incilius nebulifer Hidalgo October LC Incilius occidentalis Querétaro October LC Incilius valliceps Hidalgo March LC Incilius valliceps Hidalgo October LC Lithobates berlandieri Hidalgo October LC Rhinella marina Hidalgo November LC IUCN Red List Category: LC (Least Concern), NT (Near Threatened) NATURAL HISTORY NOTE Mourning Dove in the Diet of the Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) in Arizona James C. Rorabaugh, Saint David, Arizona; jrorabaugh@hotmail.com IUCN Red List Last year I reported on Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes (Crotalus atrox) preying upon a male Phainopepla and a female Black-headed Grosbeak at my property near Saint David, Arizona (Rorabaugh 2011), which were novel prey items for C. atrox. I also summarized what is known about Western Diamondbacked Rattlesnake diet. Briefly, C. atrox consumes primarily mammals; however, birds, frogs, toads, lizards, and snakes have also been reported in the diet (see reviews in Ernst and Ernst 2003 and Rorabaugh 2011). Some invertebrates have been found in the stomachs of C. atrox, but they may have been ingested secondarily (in the stomach of an animal consumed by the snake, or inadvertently consumed while eating another animal). Crotalus atrox is also known to consume carrion. The percentage of birds in the diet was 5.55% by frequency and 3.78% by weight for 205 C. atrox from Texas (Beavers 1976). In Chihuahua, Mexico, birds made up 2.0% of the diet of C. atrox by frequency (Reynolds and Scott 1982). Mourning Doves have not formally been reported in the diet of C. atrox; however, Rubio (2010) included a picture of a C. atrox eating a Mourning Dove on page 44 of his book, Rattlesnakes of the United States and Canada. Herein I report on an approximate 1000 mm total length Crotalus atrox that consumed an adult Mourning Dove at my residence in Cochise County, Arizona (7.6 km northeast of Saint David, Chihuahuan desertscrub, 1260 m elevation). At 1840 on 12 June 2012, I looked out my window to see a Mourning Dove thrashing about on the ground about 10 m off my patio. Almost immediately I saw a snake strike twice at the thrashing bird from a distance of about 18 cm from the bird. At 1842 the bird stopped moving, and at 1846 the snake, which I had identified with binoculars as a C. atrox, began probing the bird with its snout. At 1849 the snake opened its mouth and began to engulf the Mourning Dove beak first. It slowly maneuvered the bird into his mouth and throat. As it inched its head over the bird, it appeared to be using its fangs to assist in pulling the bird in. It stretched its mouth open, extending one or both fangs, impaling the bird, and then it would bite down hard, which appeared to have the effect of pulling the bird farther into the snake s mouth, or alternatively, dragging the head of the snake over the bird. Klauber (1972) noted this ability of rattlesnakes to use the fangs as hooks to drag prey into the mouth. He noted that the fangs are more effective at this than the shorter recurved teeth because each fang can be manipulated independently and their length ensures penetration through fur or feathers. Swallowing the bird was a relatively long process and the snake appeared to struggle with the mid-body section of the Mourning Dove. However, the last of the tail feathers disappeared into the snake s mouth at During the swallowing process, three Blackthroated Sparrows and two House Finches perched for short periods in creosote bushes within one meter of the snake and watched the predation event. After swallowing the bird, the snake immediately crawled away into brush (creosote and tarbush). Rattlesnakes typically bite and release rodents whereas birds, reptiles, and amphibians are reportedly bitten and held (Klauber 1972, Cruz et al. 1987, Hayes 1992, Rubio 2010). Mammals can be tracked by At 1840 on 12 June 2012, I looked out my window to see a Mourning Dove thrashing about on the ground about 10 m off my patio. Almost immediately I saw a snake strike twice at the thrashing bird from a distance of about 18 cm from the bird. SONORAN HERPETOLOGIST 25 (9)

8 a rattlesnake to their place of death; however, birds might fly a short distance and hence not leave a scent trail, while venom works more slowly on amphibians and reptiles, potentially allowing them to escape and die in a location distant from the snake. In the case reported herein, I first observed the Mourning Dove thrashing on the ground near the snake, and I watched as it was bitten twice. So the C. atrox bit the Mourning Dove probably three or more times without holding it. However, the bird was apparently affected almost immediately and died probably at or very near where it was first bitten. In the nearly two months since this predation event, I have observed on six different occasions this same snake in the precise spot from which it struck at the Mourning Dove. On every occasion, it was oriented with its head directed north. During this period, it has also been found coiled a short distance away on one occasion and coiled just off my patio on another. I provide seed and suet, which attracts numerous doves, finches, and other birds. These presumed ambush locations are all within 10 meters of the feeder. After dark, seed spilled from the feeder also attracts various rodents. I believe this same snake has frequented my residence for over a year and is likely the same snake that consumed the Phainopepla in August 2011 (Rorabaugh 2011). Literature Cited Beavers, R.A Food habits of the Western diamondback rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox, in Texas. The Southwestern Naturalist 20(4): Cruz, E., S. Gibson, K. Kandler, G. Sanchez, and D. Chiszar Strike-induced chemosensory searching in rattlesnakes: A rodent specialist (Crotalus viridis) differs from a lizard specialist (Crotalus pricei). Bulletin of the Psychonomic Society 25: Hayes, W.K Prey handling and envenomation strategies of Prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus v. viridis). Herpetologica 49: Klauber, L.M Rattlesnakes, Their Habits, Life Histories, and Influence on Mankind. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA. Reynolds, R.P., and N.J. Scott, Jr Use of mammalian resources by a Chihuahuan snake community. Pages in: N.J. Scott, Jr. (ed.), Herpetological Communities. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife Research Report 13. Washington D.C. Rorabaugh, J.C Phainopepla and Black-headed grosbeak in the diet of the Western Diamondbacked Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) in Arizona. Sonoran Herpetologist 24(11): Rubio, M Rattlesnakes of the United States and Canada. ECO Herpetological Publication and Distribution, Rodeo, NM. In the nearly two months since this predation event, I have observed on six different occasions this same snake in the precise spot from which it struck at the Mourning Dove. Figure 1. Crotalus atrox swallowing a Mourning Dove. SONORAN HERPETOLOGIST 25 (9)

9 SHORT ARTICLE Conservation and Awareness of Amphibians in Third World Countries: Agricultural Hazards and Amphibians Biodiversity Loss Suman Pratihar, Department of Zoology, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore, West Bengal, India Amphibians are the third most diverse group among vertebrates after fishes and birds. But amphibians are the most threatened species among vertebrates. About 20% of amphibians in India are facing extinction. Amazingly India has lost almost 50 species which is the highest number of species lost from any country in the world. Now almost half of them are threatened with extinction. Habitat fragmentation, human interference, and shifts in the global environment make the group vulnerable. Agrochemical pollution of aquatic habitats is the major threat to the Indian Five-fingered Frog (Euphlyctis hexadactyla). The Indus Valley Toad (Duttaphrynus stomaticus) is under severe threat from runoff from chemicals used as fertilizers and pesticides against the crop pests. These chemicals are causing death and deformities in tadpoles of this species. Deforestation and habitat destruction combined with pollution by agrochemicals are the main threats to the Common Indian Tree Frog (Polypedates maculatus). India is an agriculturebased country. Our farmers are more concerned about their crop yield than about the biodiversity crisis. We must concern ourselves about pesticide and insecticide use in crop fields. Random use of nonspecific pesticide is causing serious biodiversity loss on the landscape. Organophosphorus pesticides suppress an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase, which is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Reduced levels of acetylcholinesterase cause neurological synapses to fire repeatedly and uncontrollably, leading to death, usually by asphyxiation as the animal loses respiratory control (Fellers et al. 2007). Reports indicate that organophosphorus pesticides have been implicated in the declines of several amphibian species in the California Central Valley and in downwind montane areas, including the Cascades Frog (Rana cascadae), California Red-legged Frog (R. draytonii), Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (R. muscosa), and the Foothill Yellow-legged Frog (R. boylii), which inhabit foothill or montane regions east of the Central Valley (Fellers et al. 2007). Rick Relyea, an associate professor of biological sciences in Pitt s School of Arts and Sciences, published papers in 2005 in Ecological Applications suggesting that the popular weed-killer Roundup is extremely lethal to amphibians in concentrations found in the environment. According to Relyea, herbicide can induce morphological changes in a vertebrate animal (Relyea 2005, 2008). Detail structure along with functions Cypermethrin, a pyrethroid, is used as an insecticide and is randomly used in agricultural field in West Bengal, India. It is a neurotoxin for insects and also causes harm in fishes, aquatic insects, and tadpoles. In neutral or acid aqueous solution, cypermethrin hydrolyzes gradually, with hydrolysis being quicker at ph 9. Chemical struture of Cypermethrin (C 22 H 19 Cl 2 NO 3 ) Chemical struture Lambda cyhalothrin (C 23 H 19 ClF 3 NO 3 ) Chemical struture of Hexaconazole (C 14 H 17 Cl 2 N 3 O); a potential fungicide used for control Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes. Amphibians are the third most diverse group among vertebrates after fishes and birds. But amphibians are the most threatened species among vertebrates. About 20% of amphibians in India are facing extinction. SONORAN HERPETOLOGIST 25 (9)

10 Table 1. List of chemicals used in agriculture (i.e., paddy fields) as insecticides in West Bengal, India. Trade Name Chemical composition Uses Human poisoning Poisoning in amphibians Contaf Plus Hamla 550 Hexaconazole 5% (w/w) Fungicide Chlorpyriphos, 50% + Cypermethrin, 5% Theron Lambda cyhalothrin 5% Controls blast and sheath blight of rice; leaf spot on all types of crops Potential insecticide (Kills bolloworms, jassids, aphids, thrips, white fly and spodoptera) Potential insecticide (Kills bolloworms, jassids, and thrips) Dizziness, headache, blurred vision, and nausea (Antidote available) Causes significant death in tadpoles and adults Potentially harmful in tadpoles Chlorpyriphos (C 9 H 11 Cl 3 NO 3 PS) is classified as an organophosphate insecticide. It is a potential acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Chlorpyriphos is highly toxic to amphibians, and a recent study by the United States Geological Survey found that its main breakdown product in the environment, Chlorpyriphos oxon, is even more toxic to these animals. Lambda cyhalothrin is a synthetic pyrethroid. It is a colorless material with a mild odor. Lambda cyhalothrin is available in powders, pellets, and small capsules. Lambda cyhalothrin targets a wide range of insects including aphids, Colorado beetles, bolloworms, jassids, thrips, and butterfly larvae. Due to the high toxicity to aquatic organisms, application concern if using lambda cyhalothrin close to a water source. The effect of insecticides and other pesticides on amphibians are not widely known because current regulations from the Indian Environmental Protection Agency do not require amphibian testing. To prevent further loss of amphibian biodiversity, education programs and training for farmers is needed to bring ANNOUNCEMENT awareness of our local herpetofauna. Eradication of amphibians on the landscape by the actions of the human population has the potential to result in significant loss of biodiversity. With a little education and awareness, conservation of amphibian species is achievable. Literature Cited Fellers, G., D. Sparling, and C. Puckett Breakdown products of widely used pesticides are acutely lethal to amphibians, study finds. Science Daily, 30 May Relyea, R.A The lethal impact of Roundup on aquatic and terrestrial amphibians. Ecological Adaptations 15(4): Relyea, R.A A cocktail of contaminants: how mixtures of pesticides at low concentrations affect aquatic communities. Oecologia 159(2): Pratihar, S Threat to amphibian population in district Midnapore, West Bengal. Indian Forester 137(10): Service Determines That the Desert Massasauga May Warrant Federal Protection as Endangered or Threatened Contacts: Tom Buckley, (505) , Tom_Buckley@fws.gov; Michelle Shaughnessy, (505) The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announced the results of a 90-day status review on a petition to list the Desert Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus edwardsii), a rattlesnake found in the southwestern United States, as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Based on this review, the Service found that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that listing of the Desert Massasauga may be warranted. The Desert Massasauga is a rattlesnake (Family Viperidae) classified as a subspecies of Massasauga. The Service will open a 60 public comment period and initiate a review of the status of this subspecies to determine if listing is warranted. The Service is requesting scientific and commercial data and other information regarding this subspecies. Based on the extended status review, the Service will issue a finding on the petition, which will address whether the petitioned action is warranted. Comments should be received by 9 October You may submit information by one of the following methods: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the results of a 90-day status review on a petition to list the Desert Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus edwardsii), a rattlesnake found in the southwestern United States, as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. SONORAN HERPETOLOGIST 25 (9)

11 (1) Electronically: Go to the Federal erulemaking Portal: Search for Docket No. FWS R2 ES (2) By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail or handdelivery to: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS R2 ES ; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 2042 PDM; Arlington, VA The Service will not accept s or faxes, and will post all information received on This generally means that any personal information you provide will be posted. The Service was petitioned to add the Desert Massasauga to the list of threatened and endangered species in November Per a separate settlement agreement with the petitioners, the Service has scheduled its Endangered Species Act listing program workload through 2016, so it does not anticipate completing a status assessment and finding whether the Desert Massasauga warrants listing until after The Desert Massasauga is gray to light brown, with 37 to 40 darker brown saddles or semicircular blotches, outlined in black, forming a regular pattern on the dorsal surface. A prominent dark brown to black stripe extends from the eye to the angle of the jaw, and a lyre-shaped or paired irregular set of stripes extends from the dorsal surface of the head to the first body blotch. The base of the rattle on the tail is typically black, but in young snakes, the tip is yellow. The Desert Massasauga is relatively small compared to other rattlesnakes, reaching a maximum adult total length of 23 inches, with an average length of about 15 inches. The Desert Massasauga is venomous, and the venom, used to acquire prey, is toxic to humans. However, due to its small adult size, venom yields are low, and bites to humans, although potentially serious, are not likely to be life-threatening. The Desert Massasauga occurs in a variety of grassland and shrubland habitats, including shortgrass prairie, sandsage grasslands, shinnery oak, Chihuahuan desert, and occasionally sand dune habitat. The snake uses grasses for capturing prey and avoiding predators, as these areas provide protective cover. The subspecies is not often found in scrub or shrub habitats in most parts of its range. The range of the Desert Massasauga is reported with some variation in published accounts, but the subspecies is known to occur from central-western and southern Texas, southeastern Colorado, southern New Mexico, southeastern Arizona, and northern Mexico. Historically, the snakes may have occurred in far western Oklahoma and extreme southwestern Kansas contiguous with the range in Colorado, but their present occurrence in both States is unknown. The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit Connect with our Facebook page at follow our tweets at watch our YouTube Channel at and download photos from our Flickr page at The Desert Massasauga is gray to light brown, with 37 to 40 darker brown saddles or semicircular blotches, outlined in black, forming a regular pattern on the dorsal surface. Desert Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus edwardsii) by James C. Rorabaugh. SONORAN HERPETOLOGIST 25 (9)

12 BOARD MEETING MINUTES Tucson Herpetological Society Board of Directors Meeting Minutes 31 July p.m. U of A B105/Keating Building 1657 E. Helen Street Directors: Robert Villa (President), Roger Repp (Vice President), Heidi Flugstad (Treasurer), René Clark (Secretary), Dennis Caldwell (Director), Krista Schmidt (Director), Jim Rorabaugh (Director), Rob Nixon (Director), Warren Savary (Director), Robin Llewellyn (Director), Trevor Hare (Past President) Directors Absent: Jim Rorabaugh, Krista Schmidt, Robin Llewellyn, Rob Nixon, Trevor Hare Members Present: none Approval of June 2012 Minutes: Flugstad motioned to accept with changes, Caldwell seconded. Approved. Treasurer s Report (Flugstad): Repp motioned to accept, Savary seconded. Approved. (as of 30 July 2012) Beginning Balance $31, Deposits $ Expenses $ Ending Balance $31, General Fund $17, Speaker s Bureau $0.00 Jarchow Award $ FTHL Fund $1, C.H. Lowe Award Fund $1, Bolson Tortoise Research Fund $20, Desert Tortoise Research Fund $1, CRHSD V $4, Bolson Tortoise Land Fund $1, Total: $46, (less) Savings -$15, Checking Balance $31, CRHSD CD $5, Summary Report (as of 04/20/2012) Income General Fund Membership +$ Donation,Young Cage Honorarium +$ T-shirts/Caps +$ FTHL +$5.00 Total income +$ Expenses Check Purchase -$88.35 Honorarium: Katie Gray -$50.00 Total expenses -$ Committee Reports Speakers Bureau (Villa/Moll) Discussion about a backyard tortoise coloring book page. Discussion about a frog and toad guide for the public. Caldwell will try to spearhead those projects. Flugstad is spearheading an update to the backyard Where do Lizards Lounge brochure on urban lizard habitats. Website, Old (Repp for Tuegel) Marty is doing a great job! Website, New (Flugstad/Savary) Flugstad continues to research options for new website. Conservation (Caldwell) No report. Sonoran Herpetologist (Clark/Repp) Hardcopies still needed for certain members. Until somebody volunteers to be in charge of sending hardcopies of the Newsletter to certain members, we will not be sending out any hardcopies until further notice. We just do not have the resources to do so. Membership (Llewellyn) Discussion about renewal notices. Discussion about Membership software. Heidi has been in talks with former THS Secretary, Sarah Ashby about new membership software. Cost is $ per year. This software will send out newsletters, automated reminders, etc. Discussion about having this running until the new THS website is established. Repp motions for Heidi and Sarah to develop online membership database up to $ for next three months. Savary seconded, approved. Program (Repp for Villa): July 17: Christian Wright - Examining the broad applicability of State-Dependent Forging using a low energy system, The Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum). August 21: Dr. Phil Medica - Survey of the Reptiles of Nevada with highlights of previous research in Nevada. September 18: Carl Franklin - BIPES: The most interesting and enigmatic of all Mexican reptiles! October 16: Jarchow Award Meeting Night. November 20: THS BOD Election, possible alternate Jarchow Award Meeting Night. December 18: Marty Feldner title TBD, subject matter is Snakes of Mexico. January 15: Trevor Hare title TBD, subject matter is Leopard Frog Reintroduction. Jarchow Conservation Award (Repp) Meeting on Aug. 9th. The committee will convene and determine the award recipient. This will be approved at the next BOD meeting. Board of Directors meetings are always on the last Tuesday of each month (except December), at 7:00 PM; University of Arizona, BIO5/ Keating Building, 1657 East Helen Street. SONORAN HERPETOLOGIST 25 (9)

13 Old Business Zweifel library: The library has landed at the U of A. It was delivered by Robert, Warren, Rob, Jim, and Richard. Thank you to Dr. Zweifel for the donation. Tortoise Enclosure Advice for Pinacate Reserve for Victor E. Del Rio Delgadillo: Still working on sending complimentary Sonoran Herpetologist to Biosphere reserves in Sonora. New Business: Center for Biological Diversity seeks ESA protection for amphibians and reptiles (Repp): Repp received an from Collette L. Adkins Giese, Herpetofauna Staff Attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity. The gist of this was contained in the following paragraph: To help address the amphibian and reptile extinction crisis, the Center for Biological Diversity recently filed an Endangered Species Act petition seeking federal protection for 53 amphibian and reptile species across 45 states. I am writing to ask you to sign a letter of support for the petition. Renowned scientists E.O. Wilson and Thomas Lovejoy and several prominent herpetologists including Michael Lannoo already added their names. A strong showing of support from the scientific community would help draw attention to the amphibian and reptile extinction crisis and help ensure that the petitioned species receive a full status review from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. After discussion, the board approved adding the name of the Tucson Herpetological Society to the petition. Meeting adjourned. Repp motioned, Flugstad seconded. MEMBERSHIP UPDATE As of September 2012 Membership Information Individual $20 Sustaining $30 Family $25 Contributing $50 Student $14 Life $500 The Tucson Herpetological Society would like to thank existing members and new members for renewing their membership. We appreciate your support and are always looking for members to actively participate in THS activities and volunteer opportunities. It is a great way to be involved with the conservation of amphibians and reptiles in the Sonoran Desert. Time to Renew Your THS membership? This is a friendly reminder for those of you whose membership is due. Please send your check and a membership form (especially if information has changed) to THS, P.O. Box 709, Tucson, AZ, If you are a new member, please include your address with your payment to receive monthly newsletter online. A membership renewal form is below for your convenience. We look forward to seeing you at the monthly meetings. Thank you! Robin Llewellyn - Membership Director MEMBERSHIP DUES Tucson Herpetological Society P.O. Box 709, Tucson, Arizona MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL FORM NAME: Date Address or Personal Information Changes [ ] $20 Individual [ ] $25 Family [ ] $14 Student [ ] $30 Sustaining [ ] $50 Contributing [ ] $500 Life $ Jarchow Conservation Award $ Speakers Bureau $ Flat-tailed horned lizard Fund $ C.H. Lowe Herp Research Fund $ Total (MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: TUCSON HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY) The THS newsletter, the Sonoran Herpetologist, is delivered online only. Please indicate the address you would like to receive the newsletter if you are not currently receiving the newsletter at your preferred address. If you are unable to receive the newsletter online, please contact Robin at robinia2@msn.com. If not already done, please add my to the THS directory and/or Monthly meeting announcement (circle one or both). Please return this form with your check to the address above. address SONORAN HERPETOLOGIST 25 (9)

14 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-in-Chief Howard Clark, editor.sonoran.herp@gmail.com Associate Editors Roy Averill-Murray, averill-murray@sbcglobal.net Don Swann, donswann@dakotacom.net Robert Bezy, bezy@comcast.net Tim Allen, tallen@elmontgomery.com Suman Pratihar, pratihar_vu@rediffmail.com Art Editor Dennis Caldwell, dennis@caldwell-design.com Book Review Editor Philip Brown, philipandbarbara@earthlink.net 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, at editor.sonoran.herp@gmail.com. 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. TucsonHerpSociety.org Officers President Robert Villa, cascabel1985@gmail.com Vice President Roger Repp, repp@noao.edu Secretary René Clark, serpentprincess@comcast.net Treasurer Heidi Flugstad, heidi_flugstad@hotmail.com Directors: Dennis Caldwell, dennis@caldwell-design.com Robin Llewellyn, robinia2@msn.com Robert Nixon, sapo1047@msn.com Jim Rorabaugh, jrorabaugh@earthlink.net Warren Savary, wsavary@yahoo.com Krista Schmidt, turtlerad@hotmail.com Past President Trevor Hare, trevor@skyislandalliance.org Society Activities Monthly Members Meeting Robert Villa, Program Chair 3rd Tuesday, 7:15 PM Board of Directors Meeting Last Tuesday of each month (except December), 7:00 PM University of Arizona, BIO5/Keating Building 1657 East Helen Street Speakers Bureau (scheduled presentations) Robert Villa & Ed Moll Conservation Committee Dennis Caldwell Herpetological Information Hotline Bob Brandner, Jarchow Conservation Award Roger Repp 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@cox.net Deadline for Sonoran Herpetologist: 15th of each month For more information about the THS and the reptiles and amphibians of the Tucson area visit tucsonherpsociety.org SONORAN SONORAN HERPETOLOGIST 25 (1) (9)