Vol. 28 (2008), No. 5

M I N N E S O T A

H E R P E T O L O G I C A L S O C I E T Y

N E W S L E T T E R

May 2008 Volume 28 Number 5

MAY IS RATTLE

SNAKE MONTH

WITH SPEAKER JIM

GERHOLDT

A REBUTTAL ON A

FLAWED PYTHON

NEWS RELEASE.

2008 MHS FIELD

SURVEY

INFORMATION

IN THIS ISSUE:

� e Purpose of the Minnesota Herpetological Society is to:

• Further the education of the membership and the general public in care and captive propagation

• Educate the members and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles and amphibians;

• Promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.� e Minnesota Herpetological Society is a non-profi t, tax-exempt orga-nization. Membership is open Newsletter is published monthly to provide its members with information concerning the society’sto all individuals with an interest in amphibians and reptiles. � e Minnesota Herpetologi-cal Society activities and a media for exchanging information, opinions and resources.

General Meetings are held at Borlaug Hall, Room 335 on the St. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota on the fi rst Friday of each month (unless there is a holiday confl ict). � e meeting starts at 7:00pm and lasts about three hours. Please check the MHS Voice mail for changes in schedules or cancellations.

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Submissions may be sent to:� e Minnesota Herpetological SocietyAttn: Newsletter EditorBell Museum of Natural History10 Church St. SE.Minneapolis, MN 55455.0104Please send email to [email protected]

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Minnesota Herpetological Society MSY 2008 VOLUME 28 NUMBER 5President

Jennifer Hensley

Vice- President David Dewitt

Treasurer Nancy Haig

Membership Secretary Chris Smith

Recording Secretary Ellen Heck News Letter Editor James Soos

MEMBERS AT LARGEJeff LeClere

Pete Kazeck

Christina Dunathar Kathy Claugherty

COMMITTEES

Adoption Sara Richard

Education Jan Larson

Library Carmelita Pfar

WebmasterAnke Reinders

1

Cover Animal Black Tailed Rattler By Jim Gerholdt

In mid-February 2008, a news release issued by United

States Geological Survey (USGS) indicated on a map of

the U.S. mainland the “climatically suitable” areas for

“invasive alien pythons. ” Now many people feel that

there is nothing more terrible than being invaded by an

alien python and the USGS news release quickly gener-

ated extensive publicity. Newspapers and television

programs around the country made mention of the story.

Federal biologists were interviewed. The resulting

publicity was a lesson in fear-mongering promoted by a

government agency.

The reports were based on a paper titled “What Parts

of the US Mainland Are Climatically Suitable for Inva-

sive Alien Pythons Spreading from Everglades National

Park?” The authors are Gordon H. Rodda, Catherine S.

Jarnevich and Robert N. Reed. Dr. Rodda graciously sent

us an advance copy of the paper, which has been accepted

and is in press at Biological Invasions. The authors are

employed by the U.S. Geological Survey

Biological Resources Division and are identifi ed on the

internet as “invasive species biologists. ” The invad-

ing alien python to which the title refers is the Burmese

python, Python molurus bivittatus, an Asian species now

included on the list of 45 exotic reptile species found

in South Florida.The conclusion of the paper is that the

Asian rock python, Python molurus, could thrive in the

climate of the southern third of the U.S.A. , including

Memphis, Oklahoma City,Dallas, Tucson, San Francisco,

Fresno, Washington, D.C. , and even southern Utah. In

an interview published by the San Francisco Chronicle

on 21 February 2008, biologist Roddastated that already

he had found one Burmese python that had traveled 100

miles from the Everglades on its way to California.

We fi nd it irresponsible for federal biologists to have

publicly stated or published that “invading alien pythons”

from the Everglades were in the process of spreading

throughout the country. As we will show, there are no

data in the paper that would support this conclusion.

The publicity sought and managed by USGS employees

constitutes a grave abuse of the public trust. This was

a careful presentation based on data that are severely

compromised by selective interpretation, resulting in

gross exaggeration of what are posed as probable future

scenarios.

In our opinion, to disseminate as fact such fanciful predic-

tions of disaster to a naive public in the name of science

and government agencies amounts to ecoterrorism. It

appears to us to be a self-serving attempt by federal biolo-

gists to bully and intimidate the American public into sup-

porting unnecessary regulation, research and grants.

We here discuss our various criticisms of the paper and its

conclusions.

Why Is the Indian Python Included in the Analysis?

A fundamental fl aw of the study is the addition of the

Indian python, Python molurus molurus, to the analysis.

The fi rst sentence of the second paragraph in the Intro-

duction reads as follows: “The Burmese Python is a ques-

tionable subspecies of the Indian Python, Python molurus

(McDiarmid et al. 1999). ” This casual throwaway line

is apparently intended as the justifi cation to expand the

analysis to include the western subspecies, P. m. molurus.

Close examination of the account for P. molurus in Mc-

Diarmid et al. (1999) clearly shows that there is nothing

“questionable” about the validity of the taxon bivittatus.

It is currently accepted and in wide use by all authori-

ties and has been for nearly 80 years (Mertens, 1930;

Stull, 1935; Stimson, 1969; McDiarmid et al. , 1999). In

fact, we are aware that there has been discussion among

several groups to recognize bivittatus as a full species; at

least one manuscript is in prep.

The Indian python, P. m. molurus, is listed as an endan-

gered species by the U.S. Endangered Species Act, and

as an Appendix I endangered species by CITES. The

U.S. captive population is small, with fewer than 100

individuals (our estimate) spread across the country in

private hands, and a few in zoos. The taxon has not been

imported since 1972. There are no established wild

populations in North America and there are no reports of

escapes; to our knowledge, not a single specimen has ever

been recovered from the wild in the U.S.A.

The Indian python is one of two python taxa endemic to

the northern hemisphere, while the Burmese python dis-

tribution extends to 8ES latitude. The Indian python is

a widespread, polymorphic taxon with some populations

highly adapted in size, diet, behavior, and thermal toler-

ances in response to habitat, elevation and climate unique

to the Indian subcontinent. Specimens from the popula-

tions in the xeric areas of Pakistan rarely exceed 3 m in

length and adult size of some is less than 2 m (Minton,

1966, and pers. com. ). Elsewhere in the range, speci-

mens have been known to reach or exceed 5. 5 m (Wall,

1912; Murphy and Henderson, 1997).

As evidence of their unique genetic identities, the two

subspecies exist in sympatry in several areas of their

distribution (Barker and Barker, 2008). They apparently

maintain their genetic identities through resource parti-

tioning of prey and habitats (O’Shea, 2007).

Comments on a Flawed Herpetological

Paper and an Improper and Damag-

ing News Release from a Government

Agencyby David G. Barker and Tracy M. Barker,

2

THE NEWS LETTER OF THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY MAY 2008 VOLUME 28 NUMBER 5

3

We question the logic and the motives of the authors

that they would have even considered to include data

derived from the distribution of the Indian python in

this study when clearly only P. m. bivittatus is the focus

of their concern. As is the case with other fl aws in

this study, this decision creates the distinct impression

that the authors manipulated data purposely to create a

particular result.

The decision to include the Indian python in the data set

and analysis negates all validity to this study.

Problems with Burmese Pythons in the Analysis

Never mind the Indian python problem, an equally

serious fl aw exists in the data sample taken across the

range of Burmese pythons.

Burmese pythons naturally occur in the countries of

India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand,

Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, China and Indonesia. Most

of these countries have never allowed commercial

exportation of live Burmese pythons. To our knowl-

edge, there has never been any specimen in captivity or

for sale in this country that was identifi ed as being from

India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Laos,

Cambodia, China or Indonesia.

The following import/export information for Bur-

mese pythons comes from a 1989 data sheet created

by CITES Trade Database (Global Python Trade,

1984SQ1998). Information on trade in pythons is

available today at [http: / /www.unep-wcmc.org/cit-

estrade/].

Thailand was the primary exporter of Burmese pythons

from the late 1960s until commercial exports were

stopped after 1985. We are told by Otis Whitaker, a

Burmese python importer in the 1970s who spent many

years traveling to Bangkok, that the bulk, if not all, of

Burmese pythons exported from Bangkok were col-

lected in the general vicinity of Bangkok. Most or all

came from between 13 to 14E30NN latitude, at eleva-

tions not exceeding 100 m.

In 1986, Malaysia suddenly began exporting several

thousand Burmese pythons; the following fi ve years

Malaysia was the dominant supplier to the American pet

trade. Signifi cant numbers of Burmese pythons were

exported from Singapore in 1986 and from Taiwan in

1990. Interestingly, Burmese pythons are not known

to naturally occur in any of the three countries (Barker

and Barker, 2008). We do not know the origins of

those pythons, but it seems parsimonious to assume

that those shipments of extralimital pythons originated

from Thailand. Hong Kong, then a colony of the

United Kingdom, also exported live pythons in 1988,

but the circumstances are the same as for Singapore

and Taiwan, and it is highly unlikely that those pythons

originated from anywhere near Hong Kong.

Numbers of imported Burmese pythons steadily declined

from 1988 through the early 1990s. Relatively few live

Burmese pythons were exported during 1991 - 1993.

In 1994, Vietnam began to export live Burmese pythons,

and since that time has been the source of nearly all

Burmese pythons imported into this country. These

Burmese pythons imported into the U.S.A. are mostly

from captive breeding farms in southeast Vietnam in the

vicinity of Ho Chi Minh City. This is located between

10 and 11EN latitude at an elevation less than 50 m.

Therefore it is our observation and opinion that all Bur-

mese pythons in the United States are from or descended

from tropical, low latitude, low elevation populations.

Rodda et al. (2008) even state “Furthermore, the gene

pool of the North American population of P. molurus

may include only a small subset of the genetic variability

found in the native range. . . . ” Regardless, they still

chose to include in their data set samples derived from

throughout the entire distribution of both P. m. bivittatus

and P. m. molurus.

Again, decisions to include irrelevant data from popula-

tions that do not exist and have never existed in cap-

tivity very negatively skew the results of the analysis.

One must infer that the decision to analyze data from

throughout the range of the two subspecies was made

purposely to create a particular result. This misuse of

data alone negates all validity of this paper.

The Data

There is a discourse in the Introduction on how little is

known about the natural history, ecology, and population

biology from any locality. The authors state, “Unfortu-

nately, relevant demographic, energetic, or physiological

values are unknown for any place in the python’s range.

” Apparently when faced with these daunting obstacles,

invasive species biologists turn to climate data as a

proxy in order to make predictive models. We can only

assume that the data set used in the analyses included cli-

mate data derived from localities north of 30EN latitude,

elevations up to 2400 m, and temperatures as low as 2EC

--- these being some of the extremes mentioned in the

text. In several places in the text the authors talk about

localities in the “foothills of the Himalayas” and hiber-

nation for extended periods of time --- neither of which

applies to southern Vietnamese pythons. It may be that

there are small, outlier populations to which this applies,

but it does not apply to the Burmese pythons now resid-

ing in the Everglades.

We don’t know what parameters were set in the data

analysis because the data are not included in the paper.

We emailed a request to authors Rodda and Reed for

information about what environmental factors and values


4

were utilized in the analysis. Our requests were unanswered.

Again, this suggests the possibility that the data have been

manipulated to achieve a foregone conclusion. How many

separate analyses were made, each time stroking the data

until fi nally the desired map was created?

We recommend that it would be a proper action now for the

authors to publish the data used in all analyses, including the

exact locations of the 149 weather reporting stations used

in the analysis, what exact snake localities they supposedly

were paired with, and all data used from each locality, in-

cluding location, elevation, all temperature and climate data,

annual and seasonal precipitation, and any other seasonal

data. In particular, it would be important to list all analyses

that were made, and all changes of the data set to achieve

each analysis.

The Analysis and Results

This analysis used climate data from throughout the ranges

of the two python subspecies to generate a map showing the

general climatic conditions within the distribution. Then,

correlating the Asian data to U.S. climate data, a map was

generated of the climatic conditions in the U.S.A. theoreti-

cally suitable for the survival of the two taxa. In the results

of the published study, the approximate lower third of the

country was indicated as favorable in climate.

It is, however, an erroneous conclusion to state that the

results predict that the Burmese python could survive any-

where in the lower third of the country, even if climate were

the only limiting factor. Nevertheless, as given by the title

of their paper, this was the statement made by the authors.

This conclusion totally ignores the fact that data for a sec-

ond taxon were included in the analysis. Also, and more

important, to arrive at this conclusion is to totally ignore the

importance of adaptations that each population has made to

its particular locality and habitat.

As interpreted by the authors, their results predict that a

Burmese python from tropical southeastern Vietnam could

survive if it were placed in temperate Sichuan, China, or in

the deserts of western Pakistan. That is no different than

making the ludicrous statements that the Burmese pythons in

the Everglades would thrive in Oklahoma City or San Fran-

cisco. Yet those exact statements were broadcast all across

the nation on television, radio, newspapers, and magazines

during the week of 18SQ22 February 2008.

We feel that the better conclusion to draw from the analysis

is that if one could pick and choose from any of the popula-

tions of the Asian rock python in nature, then by selectively

placing pythons from particular localities into climatically

similar localities in the U.S.A. , it might be possible to

establish P. molurus populations in many localities in the

lower third of the country --- if climate was the only limiting

factor.

MHS Needs Volunteers:Holiday Banquet Committee Chair

Please contact Jennifer Hensley

Of course, another interpretation is that over a period of

perhaps one or two million years, the Burmese pythons in

the Everglades may be able to expand their range in the

U.S.A. through adaptation and evolution, as has happened

in Asia.

Somehow this is not the message that was broadcast in the

USGS news release.

Conclusions

We don’t fault scientists for setting up and working

through unsuccessful projects. We don’t fault scien-

tists for coming to wrong conclusions. However , when

biased, self-serving, and damaging information is dis-

seminated in a tabloid-like manner by news releases to the

national media, we must question the motives, integrity,

and the agenda of the U.S. Geological Survey. We make

the following points:

Before this paper was submitted to a journal, it should

have undergone internal review within the U.S. Geological

Survey. Was this paper released by the USGS in accor-

dance with the strictly mandated protocol in the federal

Information Quality Act (IQA)?

How did this paper pass the peer review ostensibly

required before acceptance for publication in the journal

Biological Invasions? We question the objectivity of the

journal, the qualifi cations of the reviewers, and the choices

made by the editor.

All persons involved with snakes, including snake keepers,

hobbyists, snake breeders, importers, exporters, pet shops,

nature centers, schools, zoos, and even children with pet

snakes have been irreparably and immeasurably damaged

by the false reports given to the media by USGS employ-

ees. Decades of work to educate the public about snakes

were destroyed in the 15 minutes of fame enjoyed by these

researchers.

This report and its circus-like news release constituted an

attack on American small businesses. Reptile breeders,

pet stores, rodent breeders, and other ancillary businesses

have been drastically and negatively affected by this study.

Tens of thousands of businesses have been damaged.

Additionally, in Florida and across the South, real estate

brokerages and agents, developers and city governments

also may have been damaged by the national hysteria cre-

ated by theUSGS News Release. The idea was planted in


the mind of the public that pythons are invading the South,

all based on this deeply fl awed report.We feel that the U.S.

Geological Survey and its employees have acted improp-

erly in the manner in which this report was prepared and

then released to the public. This is particularly egregious

considering that the paper itself is little more than yellow

journalism cloaked as science. We question whether the

agenda that was transparently the underlying basis for this

paper, that being to exaggerate and infl ate the problems

posed by Burmese pythons in South Florida, was that of

the researchers, or of the U.S. Geological Survey, itself.

The highly subjective nature of this invalid study, the

infl ammatory and incorrect results publicized in the USGS

news release, and the resulting media storm, have been the

equivalent of yelling fi re in a crowded theater --- lots of

people were hurt, and there was no fi re.

David G. Barker and Tracy M. Barker, [email protected]

Literature Cited

Barker, D. G. , and T. M. Barker. 2008. The distribution

of the Burmese python, Python molurus bivittatus. Bull.

Chicago Herp. Soc. 43(3):33-38. [this issue]

McDiarmid, R. W, J. A. Campbell and T. A. Touré. 1999.

Snake species of the world: A taxonomic and geographic

reference, Vol. 1. Washington, D.C. : The Herpetologists’

League.

Mertens, R. 1930. Die Amphibien und Reptilien der

Inseln Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa und Flores (Beitrage zur

Fauna der Kleinen Sunda-Inseln I). Frankfurt: Abhand-

lungen der Senckenbergischen Naturforschenden Gesell-

schaft 42(3): 115-344.

Minton, S. A. 1966. A contribution to the herpetology

of West Pakistan. Bulletin of the American Museum of

Natural History 134(2):29-184.

Murphy, J. C. , and R. W. Henderson. 1997. Tales

of giant snakes: A historical natural history of anacondas

and pythons. Malabar, Florida: Krieger Publishing Com-

pany.

M ’Shea, M. 2007. Boas and pythons of the world.

Princeton and Oxford: Princeton University Press.

Rodda, G. , C. S. Jarnevich and R. N. Reed. 2008. What

parts of the US mainland are climatically suitable for the

invasive alien

pythons spreading from Everglades National Park? Bio-

logical Invasions [in press].


Stimson, A. 1969. Liste der rezenten Amphibien und

Reptilien. Boidae (Boinae + Bolyeriinae + Loxoceminae +

Pythoninae). Das Tierreich, Berlin, 89.

Stull, O. G. 1935. A check list of the family Boi-

dae. Proceedings, Boston Society of Natural History 40(8):

387-408.

Wall, F. 1912. A popular treatise on the common Indian

snakes. Part XVII. Journal of the Bombay Natural History

Society 21: 447-476.

Editor’s Note:

I would like to personally thank the Barkers and the Chi-

cago Herp Society for allowing use to reprint this article.

This month was kind of quiet. Only 9 animals came in. I

believe the Snapping turtle is in foster so if anyone needs

one let us know. For anyone that missed the meeting, an

adult Corn came in with severe, old, healed chew marks.

I took it home and he came to his fi rst hands on. He was

a great conversation piece what with all the divots. A

good reminder of why it is a bad idea to feed live.

1 6” Snapping turtle

1 Ornate Box Turtle

2 Painted Turtles

Corn Snake

Burmese Python

2 Boas (common)

1 Dumerals

Sarah Richard

Adoption Chair

Minnesota Herpetological Society

The Adoption Report

Sherry Peterson with Burmese Python at Hands on Event at East-

man Nature Center. Photo by Jim Soos

5

Where: Afton State Park When: June 20 -22 2008

First of all, thank you to all who voted for the date for this

year’s survey. Many members voted, and several people re

already signed up for the event.

The MHS performs an annual survey at a State Park de-

cided upon by both the MHS and the MN DNR. We report

our fi ndings to the park and to the parks system at the

DNR so they are aware of what herps occur in the park.

This report also helps them manage herp habitat within the

park.

You don’t need to have herping experience to attend the

survey. We usually like to herp in groups so there will be

plenty of assistance for those who wish to learn. Aside

from herping, the Field Survey is a great place to get to

know fellow MHS members. We have picnics at the “base

camp” and those who stay for the weekend have a blast

camping out with a bunch of other herpers. I also must

mention the ever-popular campfi res; a setting in which

lively conversation, food, and fun are always had, with

frequent breaks to fend off those pesky raccoons! Those of

you who camped at last year’s survey know what I mean!

The herp specimens we catch are often brought back to the

“base camp” for a photography session. These sessions al-

low for additional conversations about photography tech-

niques, tips, and equipment, all while getting some great

photos. If we are lucky, Jim Gerholdt and Blake Sheldon

will attend the photo shoot. Both are excellent photogra-

phers, and Jim typically brings along a multifunctional

set in which to pose our catches. They are always glad to

share photography tips with other members. Of course, all

of our herp “models” are released where they were caught

after everyone gets pictures.

Needless to say, there is much more to the MHS Field

Survey than just searching for herps. There are many dif-

ferent opportunities to share knowledge and get to know

other members. I hope to see some new faces out there this

year. If interested, please sign up at the May or June MHS

meeting. If you will not be able to attend those meetings,

my contact information is listed below, along with some

general information about the survey:

You must be a current member of MHS to attend the

survey.

Please follow the rules and guidelines set forth by MHS

and the Survey Coordinators.

The survey is open to all MHS members from those

with no fi eld experience to seasoned herpers. Experienced

herpers can teach those with little or no experience. Typi-

FIELD SURVEY 2008 IS NOW

JUNE 20 - 22


cally, this is a group event; please be respectful of others as

there will be members with differing levels of fi eld exper-

tise.

MHS provides fi rewood, park maps, permits, and some

food and drinks. Entrance and campsite fees are either fur-

nished or reimbursed by MHS, depending upon the park.

Please bring your own fi eld clothing and fi eld/camping

gear. MHS provides containers for holding specimens, but

individuals must bring their own nets, snake hooks, etc.

Surveys begin Friday evening and usually go until mid

day Sunday. Feel free to stay for the entire survey, or attend

one day or part of one day.

Sign up before attending the survey. Likewise, notifi -

cations of cancellations are also encouraged as we try to

organize group searches. We do not want to leave anyone

out, but we also do not want to wait for people who are not

going to show. You can sign up for the survey at monthly

meetings, by email, or by phone.

For more information check out the MHS web site: http://

www.bellmuseum.org/herpetology/Research.html or from

the main page, click Events and Meetings, then click Re-

search/Field Trips.

If you have questions, please contact me at Reptilia74@aol.

com or at 651 488 6388.

Hope to see you there!

Jeff LeClere

2007 MHS Survey Photos By Jim Soos

6

JUVIE PAGE


Name Sage BackerAge 11 (06/04/1996

How long have you been going to MHS Meetings? Since I was Born, First MHS meeting I was 3 days old.

What is best about the MHS?The raffl e and Speakers What is your favorite Herp?Ornate Box turtle

Next herp you would like to get? A Bearded Dragon

What are you Pets‛ Names?Mable, Tony, Leana, Smokey, Tasha, Spike, ChocoChip, Inie, Mehni, Minnei, Moe, Stucky, Hinge, Alvin and alot more oth-ers to Name.

7


Our last meeting, Friday April 4th saw our annual White Snake

Sale, one of the MHSâ€™s oldest and largest yearly fundrais-

ers. This year there were a variety of Herp related items open for

silent bids in 3 separate rounds of sales. The annual photo contest

was held and a new addition to the fun an Art Auction!

There was a bit of spirited bidding in both rooms with delighted

winners all around and others wishing they had just bid $1 more.

The night began rather early with the fi rst volunteers arriving

around 5pm. There was much carrying, joking and talking as

items arrived, were entered into the database and arranged into

sales rounds. Through out the night volunteers brought back

sold bids, set up for the next rounds, watched for late bidders

and in the end totaled up numbers, delivered treasure and fi nally

re-stored the room to itâ€™s original condition, fi nally leaving

around 10pm. All told $1351.00 in sales of donated items a new

MHS record for one nights work.

I

n the main room the Photo contest produced a lot of conversa-

tion and admiration for the skills of all the entrants, then, during

the break our Auctioneer and his spotters raised over $359.00

auctioning off the donated art items.

These volunteers deserve our thanks, so in no particular order:

Skyler Bouley, Anke Reinders, Renee Valois, Yvette Marten,

Carmelita Pfarr, Angel Nunez, Fred Bosman, Liz Bosman, Tim

Einman, Lilly Carlon, Brandy Snyder, Christina Danathar, Nancy

Haig, Bruce Haig, Josh Mahlow, Dave Dewitt, Amanda Dewitt,

Ellen Heck, Chad Danathar, John Moriarty, Randy Blasus and

Chris Smith, Thank you very much! I apologize if I omitted

anyone.

Of course since all of the Items were donated and we would of

course like to thank all the members and artists who donated to

the sale and auction.

Iâ€™d like to take this opportunity to thank the following stores

and vendors who stepped up to the plate and supported us with

generous donations, Once again in no particular order:

Petco Roseville, Exotic Aquatics, Twin Cities Reptiles, Exo-

Terra, Leapâ€™n Lizards, St. Cloud Animal Hospital, Zoo Med

Laboratories, Pretty Pets and The RAD Zoo.

In closing, we raised over $1700.00 this year all from our mem-

bers who helped out by opening their pockets and purchasing.

We hope you enjoyed it and remember to plan for next yearâ€™s

sale!

Thanks, George Richard WSS Chair.

WHITE SNAKE SALE REPORT: HANDS ON PHOTOS.

Photo By Bill Moss

Photo By Jim Soos

Photo By Jim Soos

9


In February, Scott and I participated in the hands-on at the

Twin Cities Pet Expo. This was our fi rst hands-on experi-

ence and we didn’t know what to expect. What we found

out was how much we enjoyed it! Not only was it fun

to share our animals with the general public, but it was

equally fun to visit with and share information with the

other members there. We learned a few things, too!

In March, we participated in our second hands-on . The

Sunset Hills Environmental Quality Fair was just as enjoy-

able. For two hours we were given the opportunity to

connect with elementary school-aged children and their

parents. For many of those we met, it was their fi rst face

to face encounter with a snake. Watching them walk away

with a smile on their face and knowing we had contributed

to a positive fi rst experience for them was incredible! Sev-

eral children came back for a second, and even a third time!

On our way out, one of the teachers that had been directing

the traffi c in the hallways told us that we had been very

popular - much more so than even the cake walk! Everyone

just wanted to know where the snakes were!

Although we’ve only participated in two, so far, Scott and

I have found that the hands-on education opportunities are

a great way for us, as members, to get involved and to

further the purpose of the MHS. By sharing our animals

during these hands-on events, we’ve been able to do some

educating in a casual, non-threatening way. I believe that

it’s a huge step in the right direction when we can provide

someone with a positive reptile and/or amphibian experi-

ence. Who knows what it may lead to.

I encourage everyone who has yet to participate in a hands-

on event to give it a try. I’m sure glad we decided to!

Our Hands-On Education

Experiences By Sonja Koolmo

Photo By Jim Soos

Photo By Bill Moss

Photo By Bill Moss Photo By Jim Soos

10


Jim has been working with rattlesnakes for almost 50 years.

He got his fi rst, a Northern Pacifi c, in February of 1961.

During the time he has worked in zoos, and served 2 terms

on the Antivenin Committee of the American Association of

Zoological Parks and Aquariums (AAZPA, now AZA) and

was also an advisor to the Aruba Island Rattlesnake Species

Survival Plan (SSP).He was fortunate to spend some time on

Aruba in 1989 assisting in fi eld work and another highlight

of his time working with these snakes was attending the 4

day Biology of the Rattlesnakes Symposium in Loma Linda

in January of 2005. The program will consist of slides of a

variety of species, some habitats, a few of natural history,

and some handling shots. He will also bring live specimens

for viewing. These will include an Aruba Island Rattlesnake

and our native Timber Rattlesnake, along with a few other

surprises.

MAY IS RATTLE SNAKE MONTH AT THE NEXT MHS

MEETING WITH GUEST SPEAKER JIM GERHOLDT.

Jim Gerholdt along with Sheldon Blake at last year’s Survey by Jim

Soos

Jim ‘s Hand vs Garter Snake during Photo Shoot by Jim Soos

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake by Jim GerholdtBlacktail Rattlesnake by Jim Gerholdt

Aruba Island Rattlesnake by Jim Gerholdt

11

Sedgwick County Zoo has become the fi rst zoo in the

Americas to document that Komodo dragons are capable

of parthenogenesis (reproduction without the contribu-

tion of a male). One Komodo dragon entered the world

on January 31 and a second hatched on February 1, 2008

thanks to this type of asexual reproduction.

Parthenogenesis is a reproductive process that occurs

naturally in some species including invertebrates, lower

plants, and less commonly in vertebrates such as reptiles

and fi sh. A parthenogenetic egg needs no fertilization

from a male because it inherits and duplicates the mother’s

chromosome. Based on a Komodo dragon’s genetics of

sex determination, hatchlings reproduced in this way will

always be male.

The hatchlings are healthy and feisty, the fi rst measur-

ing almost 17 inches long from nose to tail and weighing

104 grams and the second hatchling measuring 16 inches

long and weighing 100 grams. Both males are doing well.

Because of the nature of Komodo dragons, only one will

be on exhibit at a time starting today, February 6, in the

Amphibian and Reptile Building.

Sedgwick County Zoo has two adult Komodo dragons;

both are female and cared for separately. One female laid

approximately 17 eggs on May 19-20, 2007 and Zoo staff

followed the Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommendation

to incubate and hatch two eggs. The SSP wanted to further

document that Komodo dragons are capable of partheno-

genesis. Only two earlier cases were documented in 2006

at London Zoo and Chester Zoo in England.

Special thanks to the Sedgwick County Zoo for allowing

us to reprint this article.


12

TWO SEDGWICK COUNTY ZOO KO-

MODO DRAGONS HATCH WITHOUT

THE CONTRIBUTION OF A MALE

Photo supplied by the Sedgwich County

Zoo.

THE MHS BOARD WOULD LIKE TO

THANK BETH GIRARD FOR STEP-

PING UP AS THE DNR/STATE FAIR

COMMITTEE CHAIR.

Remember a newsletter

isn’t anything with out

your help. If you would

like to contribute an

article, Photograph or even

art please submit them by

5 p.m. on the following

Tuesday of every Meeting.

Please send all electronic

submissions to mh-

[email protected].

We are currently looking

for covers for the rest of

the year.

Jim Soos

Beginning Checkbook Balance:

22,998.50

Income:

Membership $205.00

Library Fines $0.00

Raffl e $62.25

Adoption $75.00

Rodent Sales $364.00

Hands Ons $100.00

Sales $0.00

Total income: $806.25

Expense:

Newsletter $0.00

Misc. prt/post. $0.00

Program $50.00

Library $0.00

Supplies $0.00

Hands On $0.00

Rodent cost $0.00

Adoption cost $0.00

Donations $0.00

Voicemail $92.32

Holiday Banquet $82.50

Total Expense $224.82

Cash increase/(decrease) $581.43

Other*

Ending Checkbook Balance: $23,568.93

Placement of cash holdings

Checking account $23,568.93

Cash on hand $155.00

Total $23,723.59


Beginning Checkbook Balance:

$23,568.93

Income:

Membership $160.00

Library Fines $0.00

Raffl e $66.75

Adoption $135.00

Rodent Sales $317.00

Hands Ons $300.00

Sales $0.00

Total income: $978.75

Expense:

Newsletter $269.55

Misc. prt/post. $0.00

Program $50.00

Library $0.00

Supplies $0.00

Hands ON $0.00

Rodent cost $0.00

Adoption cost $60.00

Donations $0.00

Voicemail $92.32

Holiday Banquet $82.50

Total Expense $421.87

Cash increase/(decrease) 556.88

Other*

Ending Checkbook Balance: $24,125.81

Placement of cash holdings

Checking account $24,125.81

Cash on hand $155.00

Total 24,280.81

Treasurer's Report for Feb 2008 Prepared by Nancy HaigTreasurer's Report for Jan 2008

13

Minnesota Herpetological Society Membership Application

Active Memberships: Sustaining ($60/year) Contributing ($40/year) Basic ($20/year)Corresponding Memberships: Commercial ($25/year, 2 business card ads/year) Required check info. Drivers Lic # State DOBPlease enclose the proper payment with your application. Make Checks Payable To: Minnesota Herpetological Society. Membership is for 12months from the date of approval, a receipt will be sent only upon request. Mail to: Minnesota Herpetological Society, Bell Museum of NaturalHistory, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Please allow 6-8 weeks for processing.

NewRenewalMembership#TypeCheck #

NameAddressCity, State, Zip,Phone Email List in MHS Directory? Yes NoHerp related interests

GGEETT YYOOUURR MMEESSSSAAGGEE TTOOYYOOUURR TTAARRGGEETT AAUUDDIIEENNCCEEWWIITTHH AA 11 //44 PPAAGGEE AADD..

$$1100 PPEERR MMOONNTTHH$$111100 PPEERR YYEEAARR**

Advertising PoliciesMHS Ad Policy: The MHS assumes NO RESPONSIBILITY regarding the health or legality ofany animal, or the quality or legality of any product or service advertised in the MHSNewsletter. Any ad may be rejected at the discretion of the Newsletter Editor. Due to spacelimitations, unpaid and complimentary advertisements are subject to occasional omission.Classified Ads: All active members are allowed a classified ad, run free of charge as spacepermits. Ads may be run three consecutive months, after which time they may be resub-mitted. Corresponding members are allowed a complimentary business card advertisementmonthly as space permits. Due to federal restrictions on non-profit mailing permits, we arenot allowed to run ads for travel, credit, or insurance agencies.Submissions: All advertisements should be submitted to the MHS Editor, Bell Museum ofNatural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Deadline is the night of theGeneral Meeting for inclusion in the next newsletter. Make checks payable to: MinnesotaHerpetological Society.

MHS AD RATESBusiness card $5/Month $55/Year*1/4 Page $10/Month $110/Year*1/2 Page $20/Month $220/Year*Full Page $40/Month $440/Year*

* Note: 12th month is free on a one year commitment

*12th month is free on a one year commitment

Minnesota Herpetological Society

Bell Museum of Natural History

10 Church Street SE

Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104

Friday, May 2, 2008

Room 335 Borlaug Hall,

U of M St. Paul Campus

MHS Voice Mail: 612.624.7065

MHS Web Page:www.mnherpsoc.org

Next Meeting:

Non-Profi t

Organization

U.S. Postage

PAID

Mpls, MN

Permit No. 2275

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Vol. 28 (2008), No. 5

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