President's Message Jim Horton

Transcription

1 THE MONITOR NEWSLETTER OF THE HOOSIER HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY A non-profit organization dedicated to the education of its membership and the conservation of all amphibians and reptiles Volume 18 Number 5 May 2007 President's Message Jim Horton The Annual Hoosier Herpout is May 19. Join us for camping, a cookout and of course, herping! See more information inside! The Midwest Reptile Show is the same weekend and many of us will be at the Herpout. If any members are available to help at our H.H.S. booth it would be appreciated. We have just returned from another fun-filled weekend in Slade, Kentucky for Herpetology Weekend! More details are inside. The 18 th Annual Reptile Invasion is June 9 &10 at Wesselman Woods Nature Center in Evansville. Our members are encouraged to attend with their animals for exhibits and programs. We are still looking for a date for a herp field day at the private property owned by Chris Wehrle s family. We ll keep you posted. I have sad news to report that one of our younger members Zoe Panoch, has become ill. She will receive long-term treatment through the summer. We wish her a full and speedy recovery! I would like to thank the staff at the Garfield Park for their generous donation to the H.H.S. The natural rainforest-like setting was a real treat for our exhibitors and their animals. General HHS Meeting: May 16th, 7:30 p.m. Guest Speaker: Dean Allesandrini, Greater Cincinnati Herp Society Topic: Surviving a Cottonmouth Bite & Conservation Projects by G.C.H.S. Butler University Gallahue Center (science building) room #108 The Hoosier Herpetological Society is proud to announce that May's guest speaker is Dean Allesandrini from the Greater Cincinnati Herpetological Society. His presentation will discuss two themes. First he will describe his encounter with a cottonmouth and how he survived being bitten by the venomous viper. Secondly, he will describe some of the herp conservation projects completed by the Greater Cincinnati Herp Society during the past couple of years. Be sure to join us for a fascinating evening reminding us of what to do in case of a venomous bite and getting some ideas of field herping that we may utilize in the future. SEE YOU THERE!

2 Herping along the Adventure Trail By, Elliot Stahl (All photos by Elliot Stahl) It was Saturday March 31 st when Dave and Tristan Stahl, and I set out for southern Indiana for a three day backpacking trip along the Adventure Trail. The Adventure Trail is a 26 mile loop hiking trail that encircles a large portion of Harrison and Crawford State Forest. As we pulled into the State Forest that morning, we saw our first herp of the trip, an eastern box turtle crossing the road. We stopped briefly and made sure that he got across the road safely. Then it was off to the trail. The day was beginning to get hot, and I was hoping to spot some more herps. We hiked for about 2 miles until I spotted the next herp, it was a five lined skink sunning itself on a log. He was unlike most skinks in that he did not scurry away immediately after my approach. We watched him for a short time while we rested. Then later on that day we happened upon the first of many cricket frogs that we encountered along our hike. When we stopped for lunch, Dave and I entered a nearby short cave, in which we found some large numbers of cave salamanders dwelling. We hiked about another mile from there, and as we were ascending a very steep hill I spotted another eastern box turtle sitting next to the trail. I took some pictures of him and then moved on. The rest of the day we hiked, but we did not see any more herps. The second day of our hike, I found a small toad along the trail. Then as we descended into a steep ravine we began to encounter very large numbers of cricket frogs congregating around the trail. About midday after we took a lunch break I came around a bend in the trail and spotted the tail end of a black racer darting off the path. He quickly got away down the hill side. It was on the third and final day of hiking the trail that we had the best herp finds. Early on I spotted a few more cricket frogs, and another toad. We soon descended down toward the blue river and followed the trail around its edge for a while. Here we found numerous toad tadpoles in some large puddles by the river. Then as we neared the hillside I found a beautiful large black rat snake sunning itself on the trail. He posed for pictures next to the trail, and then we left him be. We hiked what seemed like a very long time until we found the last herp. As I was ascending another very steep hill, I came around a turn in the path and I immediately spotted a very large black racer sunning in the path. I quickly threw off my pack and darted towards it. I was able to capture the snake, and he caught me as well. I photographed the large serpent and returned him to the hillside. We then finished the hike fully satisfied with our early herping finds along the trail. Eastern Box turtle Black Rat snake WELCOME NEW AND RENEWED H.H.S. MEMBERS! New Harvey Ricker St. Francisville, IL Renewals Mike Wood - Warsaw, IN

3 HERP OF THE MONTH Green Salamander Aneides aeneus By Wendell Zetterberg The Green Salamander is of the Plethodontidae family (lungless salamanders). Of all the Indiana salamanders, it is probably the easiest to identify by its green lichen pattern, no other Indiana salamander has a green coloring. It is also the only one with squared off toes. Its one of seven salamanders in the Aneides genus, and the only one found in Indiana. This salamander reaches 4 to 5 inches in length with 14 or 15 costal grooves. It has a flat head and body with a rounded tail. The underside is usually light and unmarked and sometimes has yellow at the base of the legs. The Indiana population is disjunct from the normal Allegheny Plateau and Blue Ridge Mountains range. Rocky outcrops that are moist, but not wet are preferred habitat. Many also spend time in the tree canopy. In Indiana, they are only found in two locations in Crawford County in sandstone/limestone outcrops. They are usually in the highest part of the outcrops. Males can de distinguished during the June-July breeding season by a round mental gland under the chin. Females lay about 18 eggs in a nesting crevice and brood their clutch for two to three months. Young hatch as miniature adults with shorter tails. These salamanders are usually observed at night foraging for small beetles, ants, mites, mosquitoes and other small insects. Their primary predators are ringnecked and garter snakes. They were discovered in Indiana in August of 1993 by Robert Madej while doing surveys on woodrats. They are currently listed as an Endangered Species in Indiana, though there is talk of lowering their protected status and putting a no collect moratorium on them as with the Eastern Box Turtle. Crawford County is the only place to find the Green Salamander in IN. Sources: Minton, Sherman A. 2001, Amphibians and Reptiles of Indiana (revised second edition), Indiana Academy of Science Williams, MacGowan, Kingsbury, Walker 2006, Salamanders of Indiana, Purdue Extension Lannoo, Michael (Madej, Robert), 1998, Status and Conservation of Midwestern Amphibians, University of Iowa Press Lannoo, Michael (Pauley, Watson) 2005 Amphibian Declines: The Conservation Status of United States Species, Regents of the University of California Zimmerman, Steve December 2006, Salamander Trek, the search for Aneides, Reptiles Magazine Blackburn, Laura M., Priya Nanjappa, and Michael J. Lannoo US Amphibians Distribution Maps. Ball State University and Muncie Center for Medical Education, Indiana University School of Medicine, Muncie, Indiana

4 HERPETOLOGY WEEKEND 2007 By Jim Horton I learned a ton of information during the events of Herp Weekend. Not so much with herps but the plants, birds and the many ecologically formed natural structures in the Gorge area. The event this year was planned later in the spring for easier reptile finds. Usually the weekend takes place in early to mid-spring to focus on amphibians. The rain found its way to our weekend but it didn t dampen our spirits. Herps come out in the rain! The Red River Gorge area is known for the seepage salamanders that thrive in the lush forests. There was no shortage of them on the rainy nights. Several attendees road cruised and found a multitude of amphibians and a few reptilians too. American toads were the most abundant followed by the dusky and seal salamanders. Several Northern red salamanders were found on the damp roads. Reds are listed as Endangered in Indiana so it was a treat to find them. Leopard and green frogs, peepers, and mountain chorus frogs were also encountered. The reptiles found on the roadways were a copperhead, several garters, brown snakes, worm snakes, red-bellied snakes, and a black king. One garter snake was found on the way to the activity center next to the walk. It was attempting to swallow a huge American toad. After the evening talks, it was still there but with a large bulge in it s stomach. I found another the next day robbing a nest of young Carolina wrens while the parents helplessly squawked close by. Garter snake consuming toad John MacGregor takes questions Kentucky State Herpetologist, John MacGregor, talked on his studies of herps of the Mammoth Cave area. David Cundall gave us several theories on venomous snake strikes and Kristen Wiley (Harrison) gave the herp trivia quiz. The next day we learned that Pat Hammond was the second smartest herper in the room (second to John MacGregor), who knew? Saturday led attendees deep into the Gorge area for herp hunting. Saturday night talks included a powerpoint presentation on the frog and toad calls of Kentucky by Mark Gumbert. Then it was Great Moments in Herping with retired school teacher, John Byrd. He lead a hilarious talk on teaching his kids the techniques of field studies. We learned that a school bus could be a herpers best friend (if you have one yourself). That same night herpers converged at the Red River Inn (a hotel that fills up during the herp weekend) for some herp talk and camaraderie. Herpetology Greats Thomas Barbour , American zoologist and director of Harvard University s Museum of Comparative Zoology. Initiated with Leonard Stejneger, the Checklist of North American amphibians and reptiles (1917).

5 Hoosier Herpout 07 It s the 8 th Annual Hoosier Herpout! Hardin Ridge (Hoosier National Forest), Monroe Reservoir, Bloomington, IN Saturday, May 19 th 9:00 A.M. Meet at the shelter house near the boat ramp on the left. Rain or shine. There is an entry fee at the gatehouse. Campers waive the fee. Schedule: We will leave shortly after 9:00 A.M. to herp the area and return around 12:00 for a cookout. We should see a variety of herps (including venomous) Please wear the proper gear and herp at your own risk! The H.H.S. assumes no responsibility for accidents or injuries. Be careful and have fun! The H.H.S. will provide the dogs and burgers. You bring the rest (covered dish, desert, etc.) and your own beverages. H.H.S. campers will camp Friday and or, Saturday night(s) at Southern Point campgrounds (class B). Call Jim Horton for more information (317) , Cell H.H.S. EXHIBITS AT GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY Jim Horton Our attendees for the Garfield Park exhibit had a rough time for the first hour. The conservatory is very much like a green house very humid and extremely warm. You would think it would be great for herps right? Well, it was a little too warm and too sunny. In fact, our animals had begun to overheat and we were more than concerned about the welfare of our animals. The sun had begun to pierce through the glass at the top, penetrating our area and overheating our herps. We covered our herps from the heat of the sun with towels. The staff had lent us some enclosures with more ventilation. They even opened the vents at the top of the building. After these techniques didn t to the job, the staff found a way to get the air-conditioner running. It was immediate comfort for us and our animals! The crowd was very steady all day. They didn t arrive all at one time which made it less stressing for our members. Angela Thomas, Ed Ferrer, Roger Carter, and myself had volunteered Saturday for the show. The Conservatory, Friends of Garfield Park, and walk-in donations accumulated a nice donation of close to $200 for the H.H.S. HELPFUL HERP HINTS By Barry Hammer Do not use drift worms from bait stores as these are cultured in manure and are toxic for herps. Incidentally, crickets, mealworms, and wax worms are often less expensive at bait shops than at pet stores.

6 Be a part of the Central Indiana Frog Watchers Local Chapter Meetings are the first Wednesday of each Month GENERAL PUBLIC WELCOME! For more information contact: Wendell Zetterberg, Jr wzetterberg@hotmail.com Extraordinary Ectotherms Will Bird will@ectotherms.net Phone (502) Louisville, KY Uncle Bills Pet Centers South: 870 U.S. 31 North East: 9411 E. Wash. West: 4829 W. 38 th st. Blue Grass Exotics Quality Reptiles, Amphibians, and Invertebrates Heather and David Russell Lexington, KY

7 HERP HAPPENINGS May 16, 2007 General Meeting, Special Guest Speaker, Dean Allesandrini, Greater Cincinnati Herp Society; Topic: Surviving a cottonmouth bite and conservation projects of Greater Cincy Herp Society May 19, 2007 Hoosier Herpout. Hardin Ridge Recreation Area, Hoosier National Forest, Monroe Reservoir, Bloomington. Cookout, field trips, camping, and more! May 20, 2007 Midwest Reptile Show, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Southwest Pavilion, Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis. $5.00 admission, reptiles, amphibians, books, cages, feeder animals, and other supplies. Sell your herps and dry goods free of charge at our H.H.S. information booth. For info: (317) , June 9&10, 2007 Reptile Invasion, Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve, Evansville, IN. One of the largest fundraisers of the year. Features herpetological programs and live animal exhibits. June 13, CIFW meeting with guest Leah Harden, Clinton County Soil and Water Conservation District will talk about "Hoosier Riverwatch" The meeting is at the Camp Cullom Nature Center at 7pm June 2, 2007 Scales and Tails Indiana State Museum. June 20, 2007 General Meeting, Show and Tell. July 18, 2007 General Meeting, Mark Jordan from Indiana/Pudue at Fort Wayne will present a program on the Galapogos Islands November 3-5 Indiana Pet Expo, Indiana state fairgrounds, Indianapolis. July 28, 2007 HHS live amphibian/reptilian exhibit at the Johnson County Library, Franklin, IN Classifieds For Sale: For sale: female Dummeril s boa almost three feet long, $125; female carpet python, partially stripped, four feet long, $125; female womas, $650 each. Call Roger (317) or at drymarchonzz@hotmail.com. For Sale: Blair's phase greybanded kingsnakes, red and orange wide bands each. Blair's phase red and orange wide bands with black heads( blackcaps) each Quantity discounts available. Mike Wood bears@myvine.com For Sale: Captive bred (4-07) Green Basilisks, healthy and eating well. $20.00 Call Jim Horton (317)

8 H.H.S. SPONSOR S EcoQuest Healthy Air & Water Systems, LLC Eliminates odors Toll free Bus. 1-(765) Condale@frontiernet.net Put our chirps in your herps Crickets, mealworms, giant mealworms, superworms, waxworms, leaf worms, and night crawlers. High calcium cricket food, Display cages and accessories Web site: Hoosier Mouse Supply Rats and mice live and frozen. (317) Tophat Cricket Farms, INC. Trueblood Insurance Agency Auto. Business. Homeowners. Life 4433 N. Franklin Road Lawrence, Indiana, David Trueblood Phone: (317) ECTOTHERM Innovative products for Extraordinary Animals Lincoln St. Cedar Falls, IA Phone (877) Fax (877) Habitat Systems Limited Exhibits, Rack Systems, Retail Displays, Cages, Incubators Venomous Systems, Reproductions of Nature in Fiberglass, Misting, Heating and Control Systems Creating Environments of Quality and Distinction Toll free Web

9 Visit the H.H.S. website at: The Hoosier Herpetological Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the education of its membership and the conservation of all reptiles and amphibians. General monthly meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Butler University, Gallahue Hall, Room 105 or 108. Membership is open to all interested individuals. No venomous animals are allowed at the General Meetings OFFICERS PRESIDENT Jim Horton (317) Stardali84@hotmail.com VICE-PRESIDENT Angela Thomas (317) necali@insightbb.com SECRETARY Holly Carter (317) d rymarchonzz@hotmail.com TREASURER/MEMBERSHIP Dave Mitchell (317) turtlelovin@comcast.net SERGEANT AT ARMS Pat Hammond (317) Gnawbone92@yahoo.com Appointees for 2007 EDITOR Jim Horton (317) Stardali84@hotmail.com PROGRAM DIRECTOR/PAST PRESIDENT Ed Ferrer (317) pythonpals1@msn.com Cell SOCIAL CHAIRPERSON Anita Carter (317) WAYS AND MEANS Angela Thomas (317) necali@insightbb.com WEBSITE COORDINATOR Richard Searcy (765) ighaus@insightbb.com MEMBERS AT LARGE Dave and Elliot Stahl (317) copperhead210@sbcglobal.net MEMBER AT LARGE Roger Carter (317) drymarchonzz@hotmail.com MEMBERS AT LARGE Ralph and Blake McBee (317) MEMBER AT LARGE Rick Marrs (317) MEMBER AT LARGE Mike Wood 2bears@myvine.com Suggestions and articles for The Monitor are welcome. Submit your typed or legibly hand written articles by the first Wednesday of each month to: PO. Box 40544, Indianapolis, IN or 7712 Miracle road, Indianapolis, IN, Articles on PC or compatible, formatted, 5¼ or 3½ disks are accepted. To have your disk returned, you must provide a self addressed, stamped envelope within your mailing to us. Back issues of The Monitor are available. Send requests to our PO. Box, or contact Holly Carter. Quarterly Advertisement Rates for publishing your ad in The Monitor are: ¼ Page - $10.00; ½ Page - $15.00; and Full Page - $ Classified Ads are free to all paid H.H.S. members and will be printed for two months. All ads must be submitted in writing to the Editor by the first Wednesday of each month. All artwork is copyrighted and cannot be reproduced without written permission from the artist.