[ECOLOG-L] PARC National Disease Task Team
PARC National Disease Task Team For slide show go to http://parcplace.org/parcplace/resources/disease-task-team.html Mission and Objectives The North American landscape has undergone unprecedented change in the last 100 years, and many environments no longer resemble the ecosystems where species evolved. In some cases, these changes have created ideal conditions for the emergence of infectious diseases. Herpetofauna are among the most imperiled vertebrate taxa, and pathogens are playing a role in their decline. In the past 15 years, widespread epidemics have been observed, such as those associated with Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (a type of chytrid fungus) and ranavirus. Recently, Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola (Snake Fungal Disease) in the eastern USA and a new species of chytrid fungus in Europe (B. salamandrivorans) emerged. Undoubtedly, humans are playing a role in the emergence of herpetofaunal pathogens, whether through altering environmental conditions or translocating pathogens over large geographical distances, where they function as novel disease agents. Conserving the health of herpetofaunal populations is fundamental to conserving the integrity and biodiversity of ecosystems. Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC) have long recognized the importance of disease, with several PARC regions having Disease Task Teams. Responding to disease emergence often requires collaboration among government agencies, non-government organizations, universities, and the public, which can extend beyond PARC regions. Thus, PARC formed the National Disease Task Team to: Facilitate and guide communication and collaboration on herpetofaunal diseases among PARC regions, federal and state agencies, and partners The objectives of the PARC National Disease Task Team are to: 1) Identify issues and concerns related to herpetofaunal disease in North America; 2) Coordinate the development of outreach products on herpetofaunal diseases; 3) Provide a centralized online location where outreach products on herpetofaunal diseases are available; and 4) Facilitate rapid response to, surveillance of, and research on emerging pathogens in herpetofaunal populations. Ensuring the health of herpetofaunal populations requires an integrated response and management plan that combines epidemiological knowledge, pathogen surveillance, population monitoring, biomedical diagnostics, and intervention strategies. Success of strategic plans for wildlife diseases demands significant coordination among various experts and natural resource practitioners. The PARC National Disease Task Team will facilitate collaborations on herpetofaunal diseases as identified or requested. Herpetofaunal Disease Resources PARC Amphibian Reptile Disease Task Team Resources include: Region-Specific Resources Useful Web Sites Other Resources PARC Disease Task Team Members Matthew Gray, Co-Chair, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Matthew Allender, Co-Chair, University of Illinois Michael Adams, U.S. Geological Survey Kimberly Andrews, University of Georgia Michelle Christman, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Jennifer Ballard, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service James Lewis, Amphibian Survival Alliance Priya Nanjappa, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies/PARC National Coordinator -- State Agencies Jenny Powers, U.S. National Park Service Dede Olson, U.S. Forest Service Gabriela Parra Olea, National Autonomous University of Mexico Allison Sacerdote-Velat, Lincoln Park Zoo Scott Smith, Maryland Department of Natural Resources Craig Stephen, Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative Jen Williams, PARC National Coordinator -- Federal Agencies Matt Gray Dr. Matt Gray is a disease ecologist with expertise in amphibian pathogens. Dr. Gray's research uses a combination of field surveillance and controlled experiments in the laboratory and mesocosms to elucidate host-pathogen interactions and factors that might contribute to emergence. Prior to becoming co-chair of the National PARC Disease Task Team, he was co-chair of the Southeast PARC Disease Task Team for six years, and led that group to producing over 20 outreach products. Dr. Gray has led workshops on designing surveillance studies for herpetofaunal pathogens, best practices for sample collection and decontamination, and necropsy procedures. He also is Director of the Global Ranavirus Consortium, and recently co-edited the first book on ranaviruses. Matt Allender Matt Allender is a zoo and wildlife veterinarian that graduated from the University of Illinois in 2004 with his DVM. He went on to complete a MS investigating the health and disease of box turtles and massasauga rattlesnakes prior to completing a residency in Zoological Medicine at the University of Tennessee and Knoxville Zoo. He then joined the faculty at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois and jointly completed a PhD studying the Epidemiology of Ranavirus in Free-ranging Chelonians. He is the
[ECOLOG-L] Support Flows in for Sick Desert Tortoises
Support Flows in for Sick Desert Tortoises Time.com, by Hannah Dreier, AP, 8/29/13 Las Vegas News that hundreds of threatened desert tortoises face euthanasia with the pending closure of a refuge near Las Vegas has generated a storm of reaction that has government officials scrambling to find alternatives and fielding offers from people wishing to adopt the reptiles or make donations. The Associated Press reported this week that the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center, which has sheltered thousands of displaced tortoises for 23 years, is scheduled to close in 2014 as funding runs out. As the location just south of Las Vegas begins to ramp down, it is euthanizing tortoises deemed too unhealthy to return to the wild. Healthy tortoises wont be killed. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service desert tortoise recovery coordinator Roy Averill-Murray estimated last week that about 50 percent to 60 percent of the 1,400 tortoises that live at the refuge were sick. Such tortoises cannot be released into the wild because they could infect their healthy wild brethren. The estimate prompted a public outcry and debate among the various agencies connected to the refuge about the number of at-risk tortoises. It also forced the agency to issue a statement assuring the public that no healthy tortoises will be killed but saying that euthanasia is the only option for many of the animals because they are sick. Fish and Wildlife also assigned four people to field calls and put a message about the situation on its spokeswomans answering machine. Deputy Fish and Wildlife Service director Carolyn Wells said Wednesday that the 50 percent estimate of sick tortoises at the facility may be correct, but added that not all of the ailing animals will be killed. Some of them could potentially go to research facilities, she said, though she could not say how many, and she does not yet have commitments from biologists. Fish and Wildlife operates the center in conjunction with the San Diego Zoo. Allyson Walsh, associate director for the zoos Institute for Conservation Research, said just 30 percent of the residents are receiving medical treatment, though some others have been quarantined and need new evaluations. The ones that dont get better and that are sick and suffering will probably be euthanized because thats the sensible thing to do, she said. She disputed the notion that budget cuts are forcing the reptiles to be put down. Although the center has housed sickly tortoises for years, Walsh said they eventually would have been euthanized anyway. Walsh said sick tortoises cannot be adopted out and she has not been contacted by any researchers interested in taking in the sick animals. Thats a possibility but we wouldnt transfer an animal to anyone who was doing destructive research, she said. The right thing to do for a sick animal is euthanize it, she said. Seth Webster disagrees. Webster, a 36 year old programmer from New York, created a Change.org petition that together with a similar one on the site has drawn more than 3,000 signatures. He said he is working with a Florida tortoise refuge that recently bought land in Nevada to see if Fish and Wildlife will transfer the tortoises, or at least let an outside evaluator decide which animals are so sick they should be killed. Animals have a very strong will to survive, he said. These tortoises live to 100 years. If we euthanize him, are we robbing him of 30 years? It doesnt seem fair to euthanize them just because the tortoises are sick and someone ran out of money. Desert tortoises have made their rocky homes in Utah, California, Arizona and Nevada for 200 million years. But the prehistoric animal has some unfortunate evolutionary quirks, including a susceptibility to flu-like respiratory infections and difficulties settling in to new homes. They are also sensitive to change as the tortoises sometimes dehydrate themselves by voiding a years worth of stored water when handled. These weaknesses have combined with widespread habitat destruction in the quickly developing Southwest to dramatically reduce the tortoises numbers. The Bureau of Land Management has partially funded the conservation center through fees imposed on developers who disturb tortoise habitat, but when the housing bubble burst several years ago, that funding dropped far below what was needed to run the center. Heres an upside to this. Its gone international, U.S. Fish and Wildlife spokeswoman Jeannie Stafford said. We have gotten hundreds of people saying they would like to adopt. Thousands of people signing petitions. Its been people wanting to help us with the situation. But most of the would-be tortoise Good Samaritans cannot actually adopt the animals. Federal laws intended to protect the reptiles ban their transportation across state lines. People who live in Nevada can adopt the slowpokes through the Desert Tortoise Group. But they should know that owners who kill or release their
[ECOLOG-L] Any publications on stable isotope work being done for freshwater turtles?
I just did a quick search to see if i could find any publications on stable isotope work being done for freshwater turtles and only came up with one direct hit and a few maybe's (heap of sea turtle stuff). Is this really the case? Has no one really looked at where f/w turtles sit in regards to trophic structure in rivers etc? If i am missing something here is it possible to get pointed in the right direction? Oh yeah and i also wanted to know if there is a humane (no huge gaping open biopsy holes) non lethal way say/site to get tissue that is suitable for this type of work? Thanks for all the help. I love being a part of this group. Sincerely Jason Schaffer Phd Candidate/Research Officer Tropical Water Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWater) Australian Tropical Science and Innovation Precinct (ATSIP) School of Earth and Environmental Science James Cook University, Townsville QLD, Australia (07) 4781-5496 Mob: 0437142227 jason.schaff...@jcu.edu.au Member of IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group
[ECOLOG-L] 10th Annniversay HerpDigest
HerpDigest is celebrating it's 10th anniversary this month. For those not familiar with HD its the only free independent (not associated with any NGO, corp, or gov't entity) weekly electronic newsletter that reports on the latest news on reptile and amphibian conservation and science. Many PARC members are already subscribers, but if you are not ,to subscribe just go to www.herpdigest.org. (Herpdigest is a non-profit corporation, 501 c 3 based in NY, it exists only through donations and sales of items like the latest books such as the new Salamanders of the SE US (which it sells also as part of the set of Herps of the Southeast at a special price.) email me at asalzb...@herpdigest.org for a sample issue. Thanks Allen Salzberg
[ECOLOG-L] Possible contact for sea turtle gulf restoration project
We have approval for rescue teams and area also gathering resumes now for nest work. Our proposal to Unified Command for rescue teams took 2 weeks but was approved. If you can, please send resume to me and I will add to developing new proposal for nesting assistance. We are slowing driving a wedge into Unified Command to allow qualified individuals to help. Some paid positions, details still pending. It could be weeks until we know for sure. Please share w others Cheers, Chris Christopher Pincetich, Ph.D. Campaigner Marine Biologist, Sea Turtle Restoration Project (415) 663-8590, ext. 102 P.O. Box 370, Forest Knolls, CA 94933 USA Location: 9255 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Olema, CA 94950 www.SeaTurtles.org/GulfSeaTurtleUpdate Visit the STRP Action Center to help with all current campaigns. Join the Sea Turtle Restoration Project on Facebook Causes
[ECOLOG-L] Sea turtle egg relocation anncmt with contacts
Subject: Oil-spill Response Plan to protect sea turtle nests and hatchlings released DATE: June 26, 2010 17:34:00 CST Oil-spill Response Plan to protect sea turtle nests and hatchlings released Key contact numbers · Report oiled shoreline or request volunteer information: (866) 448-5816 · Submit alternative response technology, services or products: (281) 366-5511 · Submit your vessel for the Vessel of Opportunity Program: (866) 279-7983 or (877) 847-7470 · Submit a claim for damages: (800) 440-0858 · Report oiled wildlife: (866) 557-1401 Deepwater Horizon Incident Joint Information Center Phone: (713) 323-1670 (713) 323-1671 Unified Command Wildlife Branch scientists and partner organizations are implementing an extraordinary plan to protect sea turtle nests and eggs from potential impacts of the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill in the northern Gulf of Mexico. The plan, entitled Sea Turtle Late-Term Nest Collection and Hatchling Release Plan, was developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA-Fisheries), and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC), and involves translocation of an anticipated 700 nests in an effort to prevent the loss of the entire cohort of hatchlings. The plan takes a proactive approach to minimize oil-spill impacts by ensuring nests are marked to prevent damage from beach clean-up operations, and by coordinating the collection of nests at a point in the incubation cycle where transport is less likely to result in the loss of viable eggs. Permitted nest surveyors have been in the field locating and marking nests daily since the start of the nesting season, said Sandy MacPherson, FWS national sea turtle coordinator. Data on the nest location and the date deposited are being closely tracked. This allows us certainty in timing the nest collection phase of the plan. Once collected, the nests are individually packed in specially prepared Styrofoam boxes and transported by specially equipped ground transportation to a secure, climate-controlled location on the east central coast of Florida where they will remain until incubation is complete. MacPherson noted that most nests are laid by loggerheads; however, a few nests are also possible from three other sea turtle species Kemps ridley, leatherback, and green turtle. As hatchlings emerge they will be released on east central Florida beaches where they will be allowed to make their way to the ocean, said Barbara Schroeder, NOAA Fisheries national sea turtle coordinator. In developing this plan we realized early on that our expectations for success needed to be realistic, MacPherson said. On the one hand the activities identified in the protocols are extraordinary and would never be supportable under normal conditions. However, taking no action would likely result in the loss of all of this years Northern Gulf of Mexico hatchlings. This plan applies to nests deposited on Florida Panhandle and Alabama beaches during the 2010 nesting season only as it is this years cohort in the Northern Gulf area which is at the highest risk for encountering oil after entering the ocean. Officials do not intend to implement these protocols elsewhere or in future years in this area. According to Robbin Trindell with the FWCCs Imperiled Species Management Branch, oil-spill impacts to nests laid along the Southwest Florida beaches are not likely to result in the loss of the entire 2010 hatchling cohort. The loggerhead turtles produced on Southwest Florida beaches are part of a larger subpopulation that also nests on Floridas Atlantic Coast beaches, Trindell explained. Thus, the likelihood that all or a significant portion of this 2010 cohort would be lost is highly improbable. Officials note that scientists continue to monitor the oil-spill situation and are prepared to consider additional options if and when needed. The complete plan, along with other wildlife related plans and recommended protocols, is available on-line at the FWS North Florida Ecological Services Office website - http://www.fws.gov/northflorida. If you observe or find a sea turtle that appears oiled or injured, please immediately call 1-866-557-1401. Individuals are urged not to attempt to help injured or oiled sea turtles, but to report the sightings to the toll-free number. If you are interested in volunteering to aid in the recovery effort, call 1-866-448-5816. Four Gulf-coast states have also setup websites for volunteers; those are available at our website at http://www.fws.gov/home/dhoilspill/whatyou.html. For information about the response effort, visit www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com.
[ECOLOG-L] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Develops Strategy to Help Waterfowl and other Migratory Birds Weather the Gulf Coast Oil Spill
Deepwater Horizon Incident Joint Information Center Contact: (713) 323-1670 (713) 323-1671 Key contact numbers Report oiled shoreline or request volunteer information: (866) 448-5816 Submit alternative response technology, services or products: (281) 366-5511 Submit your vessel for the Vessel of Opportunity Program: (866) 279-7983 or (877) 847-7470 Submit a claim for damages: (800) 440-0858 Report oiled wildlife: (866) 557-1401 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Develops Strategy to Help Waterfowl and other Migratory Birds Weather the Gulf Coast Oil Spill WASHINGTON In a few weeks, millions of waterfowl and other migratory birds will soon begin their fall migration to wintering and stopover habitat along the Gulf Coast. In anticipation of this event, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with partners to anticipate and minimize the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill on these birds. The Service will continue to monitor the impact of the ongoing spill on waterfowl, and will take those impacts into account when establishing waterfowl hunting frameworks for the upcoming season. Working with conservation partners, the Service is also preparing to implement a range of on-the-ground habitat conservation and management measures near the oil-impact area in the Gulf designed to minimize the entrance of oil into managed habitats along the Gulf and to enhance the availability of migratory bird food resources outside the oil impact area. Recently obtained results of annual spring waterfowl population surveys indicate that population sizes of most duck species and breeding habitat conditions are good this year. While the current information we have suggests that regulatory restrictions on waterfowl hunting are unnecessary, we remain very concerned about both the short and long-term impacts of the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill on migratory birds, their habitats, and the resources on which the birds depend, said Paul Schmidt, the Services Assistant Director for Migratory Birds. From a National harvest-management perspective, the Service intends to respond to the ongoing oil spill as it would any other non-hunting factor with the potential for substantial effects on mortality or reproduction such as hurricanes, disease outbreaks or drought by monitoring abundance and vital rates of waterfowl and other migratory game birds, and adjusting harvest regulations as needed on the basis of existing harvest strategies. Through the Adaptive Harvest Management process and associated species-specific harvest strategies, monitoring data are explicitly linked to regulatory decision making, ensuring that appropriate regulatory actions will be taken if warranted by changes in continental population status. The provision of additional, reliable food sources could also help buffer against the worst-case scenario an early winter in northern portions of the Mississippi and Central Flyways, combined with dry habitat conditions in the northern Mississippi Alluvial Valley that would result in large wintering waterfowl populations along the Gulf Coast. The Service is working with partners to determine whether certain refuges and other habitat should be available as sanctuary (areas closed to hunting) to encourage bird use of these areas and minimize redistribution due to disturbance. While large-scale efforts to influence bird migration and distribution would be extremely difficult given the importance of weather on the timing and speed of bird migrations, actions that prompt re-distribution of birds at smaller scales could help reduce oil exposure. There remains considerable uncertainty regarding the short-term and long-term impacts this spill will have on waterfowl and other migratory game birds that utilize the impacted region during all or part of their annual life cycle. The Service is working with partners to assess potential pathways for long-term acute and sub-lethal effects of the oil spill on the full suite of migratory birds utilizing Gulf (or other impacted) habitats during some portion of their life cycle. The intent of this assessment is to assist in identifying potential mitigation and conservation measures as well as long-term monitoring and assessment needs for migratory birds. During the upcoming summer regulatory meetings, the Service will have the opportunity to discuss the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill response and appropriate regulatory measures with state wildlife agencies through the Flyway Council process. One focus of these discussions will be whether any additional regulatory or conservation measures should be considered for the upcoming hunting season, especially for species of concern or species that rely on a restricted range of threatened resources. We will continue to work with the states and the conservation community to ensure that reasonable and science-based measures
[ECOLOG-L] Thousands of Sea Turtle Eggs To Be Moved Out of Oil's Way
Thousands of Sea Turtle Eggs To Be Moved Out of Oil's Way by Lauren Schenkman on June 29, 2010 3:25 For the tens of thousands of sea turtle eggs incubating in the sands of the northern Gulf of Mexicoand dangerously near the oilit's come to this: Officials are planning to dig up the approximately 700 nests on Alabama and the Florida panhandle beaches, pack the eggs in Styrofoam boxes, and fly them to a facility in eastern Florida where they can mature. Once the eggs have hatched, the young turtles will be released in darkness on Florida's Atlantic beaches into oil-free water. Translocation of nests on this scale has never been attempted before. This is really a worst-case scenario, says Michael Ziccardi, a University of California, Davis, veterinarian and oil-spill veteran who is leading the government's response efforts for marine mammals and sea turtles. We hoped we wouldn't get to this point. Sea turtles that hatch in the Northern Gulf of Mexico typically spend a few months near the coast, and many eventually enter the Loop Current to make their way into the Atlantic. This year, that path would put them right in the oil spill. Federal officials in charge of response believe that most, if not all, of the 2010 Northern Gulf hatchling cohort would be at high risk of encountering oil during this period, according to the written translocation plan, developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. They estimate that 50,000 hatchlings could be lost to the oil. Nests are already being marked so that cleanup crews can skirt them, and officials hope to begin moving them within weeks, says Ziccardi. The operations will continue well past laying season, which ends in August, because eggs incubate for about 60 days. The logistics of finding contractors to train and lead collection teams, a facility where the eggs can come to term, and an air-freight company that can transport them three times a week for the next 3 months are daunting. Officials plan to dig up the eggs at about day 50 of their incubationwell after the hatchling's sex, which is determined by the nest's temperature, is set. Workers moving the eggs have to be careful not to turn them over or roll them so as not to disturb membranes that connect the embryo to the shell and cushion it, says Philip Allman, a marine biologist at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers. If the orientation of the egg is turned significantly from the position in the nest, the rotation can break the membranes and cause the embryos to die, he says. Even in flight, turbulence and a bumpy landing could be enough to break the membranes. Moving the eggs could also affect where the turtles go to nest once they're adults, Allman says, because a lot of evidence indicates that sea turtles return to the same region where they hatch from to nest. Some researchers believe embryos somehow learn the location of their home beach while still in the egg; others think that imprinting process happens as hatchlings make their way to the water. The plan could mean the hatchlings imprint on the east coast of Florida, which may impact which breeding population they join once maturing, Allman says. Although this could change the genetic makeup of east coast populations, which aren't identical to those in the northern Gulf of Mexico populations, he thinks the risks of negative effects are minimal. I think it is a chance worth taking, he says. Individual nests are sometimes moved above high tide or brought into captivity to protect eggs from predators or poaching. Although an operation of this scale is unprecedented, it's the best option right now, says Thane Wibbels, a herpetologist at the University of Alabama, Birmingham. You're either reactive or proactive, and if you're reactive, it's too late. Smaller-scale translocations have been successful, Wibbels points out; Each year from 1978 until 1988, about 2000 Kemp's ridley sea turtle eggs were moved from the species' sole nesting beach in Rancho Nuevo, Mexico, to Padre Island National Seashore near Corpus Christi, Texas, in a bid to start a second nesting beach. Today, he says, about 200 turtles nest there. After the Ixtoc I well blew out in the Gulf of Mexico in 1979, 9000 Kemp's ridley hatchlings were kept on their nesting beach and then transported to cleaner waters, says Allman. Multiple authors reported a few years later that the oil spill did not have a significant impact to the Kemp's ridley sea turtles, he says. In a normal year you'd think, 'That's crazy,' Wibbels says. We want these turtles to do what's natural, ... but if you have to prevent a large amount of mortality, you have to make tough decisions.
[ECOLOG-L] Reptiles and Amphbians and Oil
Looking for information on previous oil spills, this one, papers on their reaction. Not just sea turtles and d. terrapins, but include those two if you have it. Be it papers, chapters of books, articles for saltwater, brackish and freshwater turtles. ( Remember oil spills occur in rivers, lakes, everywhere.) Grey lit, articles, your own experience willing to be quoted. Referrals to people who might be of help LOOKING FOR STUFF BEFORE THE GULF SPILL, AS WELL AS THE SPILL. BUT EMPHASIS IS ON PAST SPILLS. Say survival rates of turtles saved from oil spill. How covering or ingesting of oil effects different herps. If you can send materials attached to this email asalzb...@herpdigest.org Also does anyone have a complete list of reptiles and amphibians found along the gulf coast beaches, marshland, etc. Thanks
[ECOLOG-L] Service Seeks Public Comment on Plan to Restrict Giant Invasive Snakes
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to designate the Burmese python and eight other large constrictor snakes as injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act. If finalized, the designation will prohibit the importation and interstate transportation of these species. In addition to the proposed rule, a draft economic analysis and environmental assessment are available for public review and comment for 60 days. These documents are available at: http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R9-FHC-2008-0015. We greatly value the public's input and encourage engagement into this rulemaking process. The control of invasive species, including pythons and other large constrictor snakes, is a key step in our larger effort to restore the Everglades and protect other vulnerable areas of the country, said Acting Service Director Rowan Gould. On January 20, 2010, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced the Service would propose to designate these large constrictor snakes as injurious species. Salazar made the announcement at the Port of New York, which serves as the largest point of entry in the nation for imports of wildlife and wildlife products. Under the Lacey Act, the Department of the Interior is authorized to regulate the importation and interstate transport of wildlife species determined to be injurious to humans, the interests of agriculture, horticulture or forestry, and the welfare and survival of wildlife resources of the United States. The Burmese python (Indian python) is currently established across thousands of square miles in south Florida, and a population of boa constrictors is established south of Miami. In addition, evidence strongly suggests that a population of northern African pythons is reproducing on the western edges of Miami. The other species being considered in the proposed rule are the reticulated python, southern African python, yellow anaconda, DeSchauensee's anaconda, green anaconda, and Beni anaconda. None of the nine species of snakes is native to the United States. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service jointly funded a U.S. Geological Survey assessment, which highlighted the ecological risks associated with the establishment of the nine large constrictor species. All were shown to pose a high or medium risk to the health of ecosystems in the United States. Burmese pythons and other large constrictor snakes are highly adaptable to new environments and prey on a wide variety and size of animals. Burmese pythons threaten many imperiled species and other wildlife. Two Burmese pythons were found near Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge with the remains of three endangered Key Largo woodrats in their stomachs. As a result of these threats, more than 1,300 Burmese pythons have been removed from Everglades National Park and vicinity since 2000. Others have been removed from the Florida Keys, along Florida's west coast and farther north along the Florida peninsula. For Service information on injurious wildlife and how to send a comment, as well as links to partner agencies, visit: http://www.fws.gov/verobeach/index.cfm?method=activityhighlightsid=11 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 www.fws.gov. For Service information on injurious wildlife and how to send a comment, as well as links to partner agencies, visit: http://www.fws.gov/verobeach/index.cfm?method=activityhighlightsid=11 -FWS- Media Contacts Only Ken Warren 772-562-3909, ext. 323 ken_war...@fws.gov Tom MacKenzie 404-679-7291 tom_macken...@fws.gov
[ECOLOG-L] EXTINCTION IN OUR TIMES-GLOBAL AMPHIBIAN DECLINE-New Book
EXTINCTION IN OUR TIMES-GLOBAL AMPHIBIAN DECLINE James P. Collins and Martha L. Crump Foreword by Thomas E. Lovejoy III 304 pages; 25 halftone and 3 line illus.; 6-1/8 x 9-1/4 Hardback, 304 pages, 25 halftone and 3 line illus.; 6-1/8 x 9-1/4 In Stock Price: $29.95, Plus $7.50 for SH. Description For over 350 million years, thousands of species of amphibians have lived on earth, but since the 1990s they have been disappearing at an alarming rate, in many cases quite suddenly and mysteriously. What is causing these extinctions? What role do human actions play in them? What do they tell us about the overall state of biodiversity on the planet? In Extinction in Our Times , James Collins and Martha Crump explore these pressing questions and many others as they document the first modern extinction event across an entire vertebrate class, using global examples that range from the Sierra Nevada of California to the rainforests of Costa Rica and the Mediterranean coast of North Africa. Joining scientific rigor and vivid storytelling, this book is the first to use amphibian decline as a lens through which to see more clearly the larger story of climate change, conservation of biodiversity, and a host of profoundly important ecological, evolutionary, ethical, philosophical, and sociological issues. Features * Documents the definitive treatment of the first modern extinction event across an entire vertebrate class, using global examples * First book to synthesize issues of this complex environmental phenomenon * Provides unique opportunity to study the critical biology of extinction * Contains evidence that suggests human actions could be a major cause of amphibian declines * Focus on climate change, conservation of biodiversity, and a range of related ecological, evolutionary, philosophical and socialogical issues * Mixes scientific authority with a satisfying story-telling approach with a great appeal to the educated lay-person * Foreword by noted environmentalist Thomas Lovejoy, President of the H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics, and the Environment Reviews Extinction in Our Times sets out the key events that led to a realisation that amphibian declines were not only real, but were also occurring globally. It is a valuable and well-considered addition to the arsenal of evidence that we need to execute a rapid response to this accelerating catastrophe.-- PLoS Biology (IF YOU ARE OVERSEAS WHICH INCLUDES CANADA AND MEXICO-EMAIL US FIRST FOR SHIPPING COSTS.). ATTENTION - IF USING A CCARD WE NOW NEED THOSE THREE LITTLE NUMBERS ON THE BACK OF THE CARD TO PROCESS YOUR ORDER. 1) Send a check to Herpdigest/Allen Salzberg/67-87 Booth Street -5B/Forest Hills, NY 11375. Make the check out to Herpdigest. 2) By Paypal - our account is asalzb...@herpdigest.org 3) By credit card, Master or Visa, Discover and Amex, only, send us your credit card number, expiration date, billing and shipping address to asalzb...@herpdigest.org. (Though I haven't heard of this happening, a credit card number stolen from an email, I'm told to prevent this send ccard number divided into two emails.) And dont forget to include those 3 numbers from the back of the credit card. 4) By phone, call us at 1-718-275-2190 Eastern Standard Time (NYC) - Any Day Of The Week, 11 A.M.- 6 P.M. If not in, leave a message and we'll call back.
[ECOLOG-L] Bog Turtles 3 Internships Available
TURTLE TASK TEAM TRYOUT (WITH TRACY) The Nature Conservancy is recruiting for three Bog Turtle field internship positions located near Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Only one application is required to apply for all three positions and the position dates are: 26 April 2010 to 10 September 2010 26 April 2010 to 18 June 2010 21 June 2010 to 16 August 2010 Housing can be provided. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Field/Research Intern will provide technical and scientific support in the collection and analysis of field data associated with a radio telemetry study, as related to The Nature Conservancy's Rare Communities conservation program. S/he will work as a member of a team collecting data from sites throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. This may include some or all of the following: Radio tracking 10-20 Bog Turtles 1-3 days/week Recording GPS locations, weather and environmental variables Collecting and organizing field notes/data Invasive species assessment treatment Weekly data entry To apply for this position go to http://www.nature.org/careers and click on how to apply. Then click on view positions and search using Pennsylvania as the keyword. The position ID number is 11689. Please complete the on-line employment application and upload a cover letter and resume as requested. Tracy J. Coleman Conservation Scientist tcole...@tnc.org (717) 232-6001 Ext. 124 (Phone) (717) 798-1518 (Mobile) (717) 232-6061 (Fax)
[ECOLOG-L] NEPARC call for abstracts - information left out, sorry
DEADLINE for submission of abstracts to be considered for oral presentations is: February 28, 2010. Poster abstracts will be accepted until July 15, 2010. HOW TO SUBMIT ABSTRACTS: Abstracts must be submitted electronically by sending an email to neparc-abstra...@comcast.net. Include the abstract as an attachment (Microsoft Word) and identify whether you prefer an oral or poster presentation. See Instructions for Preparing Abstracts (next page) for formatting requirements. If you have questions as to whether your topic is relevant to the meeting, please contact: Dave Golden (dgol...@hughes.net). Instructions for Preparing Abstracts Please read carefully and follow all directions. Abstracts should informatively summarize the contents of the oral or poster presentation and give important conclusions. Titles must be less than 20 words. Capitalize only the first letter of each word. Text of abstracts must be less than 250 words in length. Use Times New Roman (12 point) for text and include only one space after periods. Italicize all scientific names. List senior author first and indicate the presenting author by following their name with an asterisk. List the authors as you would like them to appear in the printed abstract volume. Authors' names must be followed by their affiliated department name, organization name, address, city, state and zip code, and email. Sample Abstract (from 2009 NEPARC Meeting) TITLE: PARC's Important Herp Areas: Identifying a Network of Priority Habitats for Amphibians and Reptiles in North America AUTHOR(s), AFFILIATION, ADDRESS, AND EMAIL: Phillip deMaynadier, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 650 State Street, Bangor, ME 04401; phillip.demaynad...@maine.gov ABSTRACT: Reptiles and amphibians are experiencing exceptional declines among North American vertebrates with habitat loss and fragmentation among the leading threats to both groups. The goal of an Important Herp Area (IHA) system is to identify valuable habitat for priority herpetofauna throughout the U.S. using a system informed by scientific criteria and expert review. Over the last year, the National Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC) IHA Task Team has worked to produce a draft set of model criteria and associated implementation plans that could be used for designation of IHAs in each state. Model criteria draw on the concepts of species rarity, regional species richness, and landscape integrity as tools for shaping the boundaries of potential IHA candidates. It is anticipated that each regional PARC organization will form a task team to take charge of the IHA site selection process for individual states within their region. By introducing the IHA concept, model selection criteria, and a proposed organizational structure for implementation, this talk hopes to stimulate critical feedback and support for initiating a national model for IHAs that targets limited conservation resources toward portions of the landscape most valuable to reptiles and amphibians.
[ECOLOG-L] Testudostan: Our Post-Cold War Global Exploitation of a Noble Tortoise (Russian or Horsfields Tortoise)
Testudostan: Our Post-Cold War Global Exploitation of a Noble Tortoise (Russian or Horsfields Tortoise) By David S. Lee/The Tortoise Reserve/PO Box 7082/White Lake, NC 27614 torres...@aol.com Katrina Smith/PO Box 22321/Baltimore, MD 21203 Bull. Chicago Herp. Soc. 45(1):1-9, 2010 Abstract From both the point of view of a person seeking a pet and from a conversation perspective Russian tortoises are one of the worst possible candidates available from the wild-caught reptile pet trade. Yet, for a variety of political and economic reasons this small tortoise has become one of the most commonly marketed species. Since the 1970s well over one million wild-caught adult Russian tortoises have been imported into the U.S. alone. Probably less than one or two percent of these are alive today. This is a 9 page paper. Email me at asalzb...@herpdigest.org for a copy in pdf format. Allen Salzberg Member of IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group Publisher/Editor of HerpDigest. The Only Free Weekly E-Zine That Reports on The Latest News on Herpetological Conservation, Husbandry, and Science www.herpdigest.org. President of HerpDigest.org, the NGO that publishes HerpDigest.
[ECOLOG-L] A Must Read the Illegal Asian Wildlife trade.. National Geographic article
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2010/01/asian-wildlife/christy-text Includes the corruption, especially in Malaysia. How they can get any animal you want. And a profile with his future plans of someone many of you know or heard of Wong Keng Liang or as he likes to called Anson. Allen Salzberg Member of IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group Publisher/Editor of HerpDigest. The Only Free Weekly E-Zine That Reports on The Latest News on Herpetological Conservation, Husbandry, and Science www.herpdigest.org. President of HerpDigest.org, the NGO that publishes HerpDigest. Owner HerpArts: Gifts for Herp Lovers: Reptile and Amphibian Jewelry, Art, Toys for Adults And Kids, Decorative Items for the House and So Much More www.HerpArts.com. All Profits from HerpArts goes to HerpDigest.
[ECOLOG-L] Outbreak of Human Salmonella Typhimurium in Fresh water frogs
Outbreak of Human Salmonella Typhimurium in Fresh water frogs FROM CDC to ARAV Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 11:51 AM Subject: Outbreak of Human Salmonella Typhimurium Dear ARAV Members, the CDC has just released an announcement regarding an outbreak of human Salmonella typhimurium infections associated with contact with water frogs. Please see the announcement below and take the appropriate actions and precautions. Salmonella Salmonella Salmonella Outbreak Investigations Investigation Announcement: Outbreak of Human Salmonella Typhimurium Infections Associated with Contact with Water Frogs Investigation Announcement: Outbreak of Human Salmonella Typhimurium Infections Associated with Contact with Water Frogs Persons Infected with the Outbreak Strain of Salmonella Typhimurium, United States, by State, June 24, 2009 to November 14, 2009 http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typh1209/map.html Infections with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium, by week of illness onset (n=48 for whom information was reported as of 12/7/09) http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typh1209/epi_curve.html Update for December 07, 2009 CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states to investigate a multistate outbreak of human Salmonella serotype Typhimurium infections due to contact with water frogs including African Dwarf Frogs. Water frogs commonly live in aquariums or fish tanks. Amphibians such as frogs and reptiles such as turtles, are recognized as a source of human Salmonella infections. In the course of routine assessment, a number of cases with the same strain have been identified over many months. As of 12pm EST on December 7, 2009, 48 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium have been reported from 25 states. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Arizona (1), California (2), Colorado (2), Florida (1), Georgia (1), Idaho (1), Illinois (5), Kentucky (1), Louisiana (1), Massachusetts (2), Maryland (2), Michigan (3), Minnesota (1), Missouri (2), Mississippi (1), New Jersey (2), New Mexico (1), New York (1), Ohio (2), Pennsylvania (3), Tennessee (2), Texas (3), Utah (6), Virginia (1), and Washington (1). Among the persons with reported dates available, illnesses began between June 24, 2009 and November 14, 2009. Infected individuals range in age from 1 year old to 54 years old. Seventy-seven percent (77%) of patients are younger than 10 years old and the median age is 4 years. Fifty-five percent (55%) of patients are female. No deaths have been reported. Investigation of the Outbreak In an epidemiologic study, ill persons answered questions about contact with animals and foods consumed during the days before becoming ill and investigators compared their responses to those of persons of similar age and gender previously reported to State Health Departments with other illnesses. Preliminary analysis of this study suggests contact with frogs, including water frogs such as African Dwarf Frogs, is a likely source of the infections. In addition, environmental samples taken from aquariums containing aquatic frogs in three homes of ill persons have yielded isolates of Salmonella Typhimurium matching the outbreak strain. Advice to Consumers Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching any amphibian (e.g., frog) or reptile (e.g, turtle), their housing, or anything (for example, food) that comes in contact with them or their housing. Adults should assist young children with hand washing. Watch for symptoms of Salmonella infection, such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Call your health care provider if you or a family member have any of these symptoms. Persons who should avoid contact with amphibians and reptiles and their habitats (e.g., aquarium, fish tank, or terrarium) Persons at increased risk for serious infection from salmonellosis are children 5 years old, elderly persons, and persons with weakened immune systems. These persons should avoid contact with amphibians (e.g., frogs) and reptiles (e.g., turtles) and anything that comes in contact with them (e.g., aquarium, habitat, and water). Keep amphibians and reptiles out of homes with children 5 years old or people with weakened immune systems. Placement and maintenance of habitats Amphibians (e.g., frogs) and reptiles (e.g., turtles) should not be kept in child-care centers. Habitats containing amphibians or reptiles should not be kept in a childs bedroom, especially children aged 5 years. Do not allow amphibians or reptiles to roam freely through the house, especially in food preparation areas. Keep amphibians and reptiles out of kitchens and other areas where food and drink is prepared or served to prevent contamination. Habitats and their contents should be carefully cleaned outside of the home. Use disposable
[ECOLOG-L] Prescribed Burn Guidelines for Amphibians and Reptiles:
Please see link below from MidWest PARC guidelines for limiting negative effects of prescribed burns on herps. While the general guidelines are good to consider anywhere, if you are working outside of the cold-temperate parts of the northern US or Canada, the details of ideal burn times would change according to local climate. Looking for comments from people who have done burns, or just to inform people in general who do burns. From PARC (Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation). Send comments to David. Thanks http://mwparc.org/products/fire/plain/ David A. Mifsud, M.S., PWS, C.E Herpetologist/Ecosystems Specialist Herpetological Resource and Management, LLC Mobile: (313) 268-6189 Web: HerpRMan.com Email: dmif...@herprman.com
[ECOLOG-L] Roads and turtle mortality, need help
Respond to Susan directly. Don't think on this list. But she is a good source to put in your address books about road mortality for any animals shag...@humanesociety.org Her Message A concerned resident has alerted us to an ongoing situation involving high rates of turtle mortality on a four-lane road that borders a military base in Norfolk, Virginia. Both native and non-native aquatic species are involved. The turtles inhabit a large lake on one side of the road, and can leave the lake via a spillway and stream under the road. They attempt to return to the lake by crossing the road, as evidenced by the finding of carcasses only in the two lanes of traffic furthest from the lake. We are working with state and local officials to address potential modifications of existing fencing to force turtles to return under the road. Even with that, however, their return from the stream to the lake is prevented by the concrete spillway. On the day we visited, shad were also attempting to return to the lake, but clearly could not. Please see the attached photos. (me again- ask her for them if interested, I can never get anything attached so place for it on this listserv.) If anyone has experience in modifying spillways presumably with a ramp of some kind (?) -- to accommodate ascent by turtles, I would appreciate your suggestions/thoughts. Suggestions for modification of the spillway itself to permit fish to return to the lake would also be much appreciated. Susan Susan Hagood Wildlife and Transportation Regulatory Specialist, Regulatory Affairs shag...@humanesociety.org t 301.258.3149f 301.258.3080
[ECOLOG-L] Exclusionary Device prevent entrapment of pond turtles into a suction dredge -Need Info
If you have any knowledge or leads to such information, email Mr. Alex Levy below. He is not on list. Thanks His original email -- If anyone has a specification for an exclusionary device that would prevent entrapment of pond turtles into a suction dredge, please let me know.? Thank you, Alexander Levy | Senior Ecologist | alex.l...@arcadis-us.com ARCADIS U.S., Inc. | 2849 Paces Ferry Road, Suite 400 | Atlanta, GA 30339 T. 770.431.8666 | M. 404.423.0311| F. 770.435.2666 www.arcadis-us.com ARCADIS, Imagine the result
[ECOLOG-L] REptiles Amphibians- HerpDigest Volume # 9 Issue #48 10/20/09
HerpDigest.org: The Only Free Weekly Electronic Newsletter That Reports on The Latest News on Herpetological Conservation, Husbandry and Science Volume # 9 Issue #48 10/20/09 Publisher/Editor- Allen Salzberg __ AMPHIBIAN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION: A HANDBOOK OF TECHNIQUES (TECHNIQUES IN ECOLOGY CONSERVATION) (Paperback) by C. Kenneth Dodd Jr. (Editor) 556 pages, USA, Oxford Univ. Press. Limited Number Autographed Copies By editor Kenneth Dodd Available. $59.95 plus $7.50 SH Finally a distinguished, international group of amphibian researchers have come together to provide a state-of-the-art review of the many new and exciting techniques used to study amphibians and to track their conservation status and population trends. And the problems this book addresses are not just what equipment to use, but more important, what questions to ask. Although this book emphasizes field ecology, sections on physiological ecology, genetics, landscape ecology, and disease analysis are also included. Much of this information is scattered in the scientific literature or not readily available, and the intention is to provide an affordable, comprehensive synthesis for use by graduate students, researchers, and practicing conservationists worldwide. Table of Contents Available, Chapter one available, free at http://fds.oup.com/www.oup.com/pdf/13/9780199541188_chapter1.pdf Table of Contents 1) Lizard Kings the Monitor Lizard (NOVA- PBS 8 PM Tuesday 10/20/09) Check Local listings for Rerun. In NYC area CH 13 runs it Sunday early evening.) 2) Turtles Prefer The 'City Life' (Australia) 3) Alligators Sing to Set Up Singles Clubs? 4) What Is Killing South African Crocs? Mass Deaths Of South Africa's Nile Crocodiles Puzzle Biologists 5) Largest Turtle-Linked Salmonella Outbreak Detailed 6) Professors And Alligator Snappers Featured In Up-Coming 'Dirty Jobs' (Rerun scheduled for 8 PM on the Discovery channel.-9 PM is a new show. Check Local Listings) 7) Conservation: Minimum Population Size Targets Too Low To Prevent Extinction? Conservation Biologists Are Setting Their Minimum Population Size Targets Too Low To Prevent Extinction. ___ FINALLY. A TURTLE BOOK THAT ANSWERS THE BIG QUESTIONS: TURTLES: THE ANIMAL ANSWER GUIDE. By Whit Gibbons and Judy Greene of the Savannah River Ecology Lab. © 2009 176 pages, 35 color photos, 64 halftones, Paperback., 7 x 11. Like Why do so many turtles have yellow stripes on their neck? Or what really is the difference between turtles, tortoises and terrapins? Only $24.95 plus $6.50 SH for anywhere in the U.S. (Overseas email us first at asalzb...@herpdigest.org for a price quote.) Due out mid November, BUT IF YOU ORDER NOW YOU COULD GET ONE OF THE 25 AUTOGRAPHED COPIES OF THE BOOK. 1) Lizard Kings the Monitor Lizard (NOVA- PBS 8 PM Tuesday 10/20/09) Check Local listings for Rerun. In NYC area CH 13 runs it Sunday early evening.) They look like dragons and inspire visions of fire-spitting monsters. But these creatures with their long claws, razor-sharp teeth, and muscular, whip-like tails are actually monitors, the largest lizards now walking the planet. With their acute intelligence, these lizardsincluding the largest of all, the Komodo dragonare a very different kind of reptile, blurring the line between reptiles and mammals. Thriving on Earth essentially unchanged since the time of the dinosaurs, they are a very successful species, versatile at adapting to all kinds of settings. This program looks at what makes these long-tongued reptiles so similar to mammals and what has allowed them to become such unique survivors. While monitors can find their way around many different habitats, finding them is no easy task. Natural loners and always on guard, they sense anything or anyone from hundreds of feet away. NOVA follows expert lizard hunter Dr. Eric Pianka as he tracks the elusive creatures, including the six-foot-long perentie, through Australia's forbidding outback. (See a slide show by producer Gisela Kaufmann.) We watch as Pianka and his colleagues experiment with cutting-edge lizardcam technology. With dramatic footage shot by cameramen and lizards, Lizard Kings offers an unparalleled close encounter with these amazingly versatile living dragons. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/transcripts/3616_lizard.html is where in 1-3 weeks weeks you can find a transcript of the show . 2) Turtles Prefer The 'City Life' (Australia) By Jody Bourton Earth News reporter, BBBC News 10/21/09 Urbanization has long been at odds with wildlife. However, scientists have found a turtle that does better in a suburban habitat than it does
